Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department wins two prestigious government awards for 2026, reinforcing its performance in water management for the people.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Irrigation Department won two prestigious government awards at the 2026 Government Excellence Awards Ceremony. This reflects the department's success in driving water management missions that emphasize public participation, coupled with the application of technology and innovation to increase water efficiency, reduce production costs, and create income security for farmers. Mr. Thanet Ditpanya, a civil engineering expert (construction control), represented the Royal Irrigation Department in receiving the awards, along with Ms. Nantana Pengkham, Director of the Management System Development Group, and other Royal Irrigation Department officials. The ceremony took place at the Royal Jubilee Ballroom, Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani on September 10, 2026.
This year, the Royal Irrigation Department received two awards for excellence in government service, namely:
Outstanding Award in the Participatory Public Administration Category, for Achievement in Citizen Participation The project, 'Collaborative Water Management: Debt Relief, Profit Generation, and Sustainability,' by the Chi Klang Irrigation and Maintenance Project, Irrigation Office Region 6, implemented the Farmer Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) process to address water management problems and electricity debt burdens. Covering 23,009 rai, 2,844 households, and 16 villages, the project transformed the Irrigation Department's role into that of a 'mentor,' transferring knowledge and empowering farmers to manage water and maintain irrigation systems independently. This resulted in a reduction of accumulated electricity debt to zero, with 100% of electricity bills paid off during the dry season. Furthermore, it increased productivity and income, reduced production costs through the use of Smart Irrigation and drones, and developed 'Young Irrigation Engineers' to create a new generation involved in water management. The result is efficient water management, stronger communities, and sustainable income security for farmers.
Award for Public Service Category, Effective Performance, Good Level The project "Solving Poverty to Achieve Success: Smart Irrigation for Sustainability" The Mul Bon Irrigation and Maintenance Project, under the Royal Irrigation Department Region 8, has integrated the concept of Total Water Management with digital technology to address uneven water allocation, conflicts among farmers, and high production costs. This is achieved by applying IoT, SCADA, Big Data, AI, and Remote Sensing, along with the 'RID Mee Suk' and Smart Farm applications, to collect and analyze real-time data. This enables planning and allocation of water tailored to the needs of each area and crop type. Demonstration plots are used as learning areas to foster understanding and cooperation between irrigation officials and farmers. This initiative improves water efficiency, reduces water loss and production costs, minimizes conflicts, and promotes equitable access to water resources-crucial factors for ensuring long-term income security an d improving the quality of life for farmers.
Receiving these two Public Sector Excellence Awards for 2026 confirms the Royal Irrigation Department's commitment to developing and managing water resources effectively, prioritizing the people and farmers. The department will continue to drive irrigation projects forward through participatory approaches, technology, and innovation to create sustainable water security and improve the quality of life for the people.