Research and Innovation
The Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand’s largest natural lake system, covers approximately 11,991 km² across Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. Its lagoon ecosystem is sensitive to seasonal salinity changes caused by the interaction of freshwater inflows and seawater. Rising sea levels have intensified seawater intrusion, particularly during the dry season, threatening freshwater habitats, biodiversity, aquatic productivity, and local agriculture.
To address these challenges, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has implemented the research project “Integrated Water Management Innovations to Enhance Community Economies in the Songkhla Lake Basin.” The project features an Internet of Things (IoT)-based salinity warning system to monitor and forecast seawater intrusion. Salinity sensors transmit water quality data every two hours, while automated sensors record temperature, humidity, and rainfall. The data are accessible via LINE, enabling timely decision-making and proactive water resource management across the basin.
On 13 January 2025, the lecturers of the Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), met with Mr. Wasan Suksuwan, Phatthalung Provincial Agriculture Officer, to discuss strategies for extending research outcomes to target areas and identify suitable sites for installing automatic salinity monitoring devices in Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province. The meeting was part of the research project entitled “Scaling Up Real-Time Salinity Monitoring Innovation for Participatory Water Management in Agriculture in Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province.”
On 23 September 2025, the Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), held a meeting to discuss research implementation and gather input on the development of a flood early warning system for the Khlong Na Thom Basin and a salinity forecasting system for Songkhla Lake. The meeting was part of the research project entitled “Integrated Water Management Innovations to Enhance Community Economies in the Songkhla Lake Basin.”
In addition to technological interventions, RUTS provides training in equipment maintenance and sustainable agricultural practices, including alternate wetting and drying (AWD) rice cultivation to conserve water. These initiatives strengthen the capacity of government agencies and farmer networks to use real-time salinity data, adopt water-saving practices, and maintain monitoring equipment independently. RUTS also uses social media to improve information sharing, coordination, and community participation in the integrated management of water resources in the Songkhla Lake Basin.
Related Links:
https://imtt.rmutsv.ac.th/innovationdb/detail/45
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=710953961494576&set=pb.100077399349373.-2207520000&type=3
https://engtech.rmutsv.ac.th/ruts/2025/01/14/9145/water-management/