On 25 February 2022, Mae Fah Luang University and the Office of Natural Water Resources (ONWR), Thailand co-hosted the regional consultation conference on transboundary water resource management, and final report launching on the research project titled “Joint Assessment of Thailand and Myanmar on Flood and Drought for Transboundary Water Resources Management” at Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort. The conference was presided over by the Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Water Resources, Dr.Surasri Kidtimonton; the President of Mae Fah Luang University, Assoc. Prof. Dr.Chayaporn Wattanasiri; the Counsellor and Director of Political Section of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Ge Tang; the Deputy Director, Mekong-Lancang Cooperation National Coordination Unit of Myanmar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr.Htuann Naung.
The research project titled “Joint Assessment of Thailand and Myanmar on Flood and Drought for Transboundary Water Resources Management” was financially supported by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund of 2,450,000 CNY (12 million THB) from 2020 – 2021 through a contract with the Office of Natural Water Resources, Thailand. This joint research was conducted by research team from Thailand and Myanmar led by Mae Fah Luang University researchers with an objective to improve transboundary water management by collecting and developing information system in order to address problems of flood and drought at Mae Sai Tachiliek border.
Dr.Surasri Kidtimonton stated that Sai and Ruak Rivers are bordered on Mae Sai Subdistrict, Chiang Rai Province and Tachileik Province, Shan State, Myanmar. The rivers served as a demarcation line between the two countries. Both Thailand and Myanmar have faced severe flood in the rainy season and extreme drought in the dry season which affect riparian communities’ living standard. As the main organization that manage the policies of integrated national water resources management and the university located in Chiang Rai province, ONWR and MFU joined hands to study, research, and recommendations for improving flood and drought management in Sai and Ruak Rivers.
With this project, the researchers have developed platforms for transboundary water management such as 1) a mobile application in Thai and Myanmar language providing the analytical information which will lead to more reliable early warning system 2) an effective river monitoring programme which increase the resilience of riparian communities 3) a model of decision support systems for water management 4) the public participation in subdistrict water management plan.
All in all, Mae Fah Luang University has strong determination to support local engagement and regional cooperation in the transboundary water management and promote the sustainable and equitable use of water resources.
