On 27 January 2020, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayaporn Wattanasiri, the President of Mae Fah Luang University and Mr. Somkiat Prajamwong, the Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint assessment of Thailand and Myanmar on flood and drought for transboundary water resources management project.
With the recognition of the impact on agriculture areas caused by the flooding during the monsoon season and drought in dry season, this joint project aims at developing a sustainable implementation of flood and drought prevention and management of Sai or Ruak River, the river boundary between Thailand and Myanmar in Chiang Rai province. This joint assessment is allocated 10 million baht (2,450,000 CNY) from the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund to support the project. The duration of the project is one year.
Mr. Somkiat Prajamwong stated that MFU, as the university situated in Chiang Rai province, is familiar with local organizations and geography. The knowledge and expertise of MFU personnel are beneficial to a better understanding and management of water resources for Sai or Ruak River in order to combat flood and drought as well as improve drainage in the two countries.
This joint cooperation will develop the capacity of related personnel and organization in Thailand and Myanmar through the workshop, joint research, joint training, and seminar. Also, the project will apply the China’s structural measure for water resources to provide a sustainable flood and drought prevention and management. Altogetehr, the project will indeed improve the quality of life of people in both Thailand and Myanmar.
