Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) participates in collaborative water-resource and disaster-risk planning with government agencies, academic partners, and local communities in southern Thailand. Through its Water Management Innovation and Geoinformatics Research Unit, the university contributes to regional water-management committees, community-based drought-risk assessments, and government-led flood preparedness discussions. These activities support the identification of local water-related risks, the exchange of technical knowledge, and coordinated planning to strengthen preparedness for floods, droughts, and other climate-related water challenges.
RUTS Supports Collaborative Water Management and Disaster Preparedness through River Basin Committees and Government Partnerships
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Faculty of Engineering and Water Management Innovation and Geoinformatics Research Unit, participates in regional water-resource governance and planning through its representation on relevant water-management committees. Official appointment orders provide a formal basis for university representatives to engage with government agencies in discussions and planning concerning water-resource management, flood preparedness, drought risks, and other water-related challenges.
On 11 November 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapol Kaewthong attended the fifth meeting of the Songkhla Lake Basin Committee (No. 5/2025), held at Songkhla Provincial Hall and chaired by the Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province. The meeting reviewed weather forecasts, current water conditions, and the implementation of measures to prepare for the 2025 rainy season.
The committee also considered the water resources action plan for fiscal year 2027, reviewing proposed projects for consistency with the relevant master plan, duplication, and implementation readiness. Following its review, the committee endorsed an action plan comprising 1,265 projects for subsequent provincial confirmation.
RUTS’s participation in the committee provides an institutional mechanism for engagement with government agencies in regional water-resource planning and preparedness for water-related disasters.
RUTS has also undertaken a project to review the drought prevention and mitigation plan for the Western Southern River Basin, working within the framework of the Western Southern River Basin Committee and the Office of the National Water Resources, Regional Office 4. The project focuses on reviewing drought preparedness and response measures to support water-resource planning and management at the river-basin level.
RUTS Engages Local Communities in Drought-Risk Planning and Flood Monitoring
On 20 November 2025, the Water Management Innovation and Geoinformatics Research Unit of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapol Kaewthong, together with Asst. Prof. Chayanat Buathongkuea and the research team, collaborated with the “Targeted Water Management: No Floods, No Droughts” team from Prince of Songkla University to undertake community-based water-risk assessment activities in Phatthalung Province.
Community Participation in Drought-Risk Planning
In the morning, the research teams conducted a community consultation at Ban Khuan Kut, Village No. 15, Khuan Maprao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phatthalung Province, under the project Integrated Water Management Innovation to Enhance Community Economies in the Songkhla Lake Basin.
The consultation focused on identifying local water-management problems and priority locations for addressing drought through solar-powered water pumping systems in the Khlong Lam Bet area, including water-control structures 1 and 2. By gathering information directly from community members, the activity supported the identification of locally relevant water-management needs and potential drought-response measures.
In the afternoon, the researchers surveyed flood-prone areas in the upper Khlong Na Thom and Khlong Lam Bet catchments to examine conditions associated with flooding and runoff. They also assessed potential locations for installing automated rainfall monitoring stations in upstream areas of Srinagarindra District.
The field assessment was intended to support future rainfall monitoring and provide information for proactive water-resource management and flood-risk preparedness.
RUTS Participates in Government-Led Water Monitoring and Flood Preparedness Meeting in Southern Thailand
On 8 December 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapol Kaewthong and Asst. Prof. Chayanat Buathongkuea from the Water Management Innovation and Geoinformatics Research Unit of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) were invited to participate in a meeting on weather conditions and water situations in southern Thailand. The meeting was organised by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) and conducted at the Nam Ping Meeting Room, fourth floor of the Chuthamat Building, with online participation also available.
The meeting focused on assessing weather conditions and water availability across southern river basins, strengthening preparedness for increased water flows and potential flooding, and discussing coordinated water-management approaches among relevant agencies.
RUTS’s participation provided an opportunity for academic engagement in government-led discussions on water monitoring, flood preparedness, and regional water-resource management. The meeting also supported the exchange of information relevant to monitoring water-related risks and planning appropriate responses in southern Thailand.
