Issues and Strategies in Water Resource Development in Thailand

Abstract

Water resource development is of crucial importance to rural development since water plays a key role in increasing agricultural productivity. At present, the main problem retarding the development of water resources are uncertainty in government policy and the lack of human and capital resources. The objective of water resource development are to increase productivity and to serve the basic needs of people in remote areas where water is scarce. To fulfill the above objectives, construction of dams, deep well, farm ponds as well as canals and weirs is required in order to store water during the rainy season. To conserve water, cooperation among water users is needed. Knowledge of water management is necessary and charging a fee for the use of water may be a fair and effective solution to the problem of water resource conservation.