Statement by H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.), Prime Minister of Thailand
In the Opening Segment of the High-level Special Event
“Catalysing Implementation and Achievement of the Water Related SDGs”
 at United Nations Headquarters, New York
27 September 2015

Mr. President,
Ministers,
President of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Distinguished Delegates,

1. It is a pleasure for Thailand to co-host this High-level Side Event together with Tajikistan, UNDP and other fellow countries of the Steering Committee of the Group of Friends of Water.

2. During the past 15 years, the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals  has helped a lot of people throughout the world gain access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Thanks to the MDG, international cooperation on water has been significantly strengthened.

3. The 2030 Development Agenda, which has just been adopted by world leaders two days ago, builds upon our good work, driving forward efforts of the international community on water in a more holistic manner. This is reflected in SDG 6 which, aside from reiterating the need for safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, highlights the importance of (1) improving water quality and waste water management, (2) increasing water-use efficiency, (3) implementing integrated water resources management and (4) protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems.

4. Thailand has always attached considerable importance to the development of water sources for domestic use. Nonetheless, considering the challenges of climate change and those relating to water such as floods, drought and poor water quality, the Royal Thai Government has recognized the importance of integrating water resource management in a holistic manner in order to achieve sustainability and create continuity in our actions. To this end, Thailand has applied the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and implemented royal initiatives on water management to create balance between socio-economic development, decent living conditions of our people and environmental protection.

5. During this year the Thai government came up with a 12-year Water Resources Management Strategy comprising 6 areas to set a parameter for an integrated management which stresses people’s participation at the local level. We are also in the process of drafting our Water Act which will provide a framework for water resources management in all dimensions.

6. Under the Strategy, Thailand will implement integrated water resources management at 3 levels, as follows:

(1)  On water sources management, we are focusing on conserving and restoring deteriorated upstream forests and preventing soil erosion to maintain healthy ecosystems and the balance of nature. Moreover, Thailand has plans to store water by diverting it from natural sources as a long-term preventive measure to solve drought problems and create water security.

(2) On water usage, Thailand has set a goal to provide over 7,000 villages throughout the country with access to clean water by 2017 to reduce unequal access to this basic necessity. Furthermore, the agricultural and industrial sectors sustain our rural economy and have put pressure on our limited resource. Therefore, there is a need to ensure water security for these sectors, provide and develop sufficient water sources, engage the community in conservation efforts, and manage water resources efficiently to meet the demands of all - for consumption as well as for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses. Furthermore, we need to improve our database on water as well as related rules and regulation.

(3)  On waste water management, we aim to reduce waste water from its original sources and increase the efficiency of waste water treatment systems as well as prevent seawater from pushing inland.

7. Aside from integrated water management, the Thai government attempts to prevent and reduce risks from water-related disasters through proactive measures such as the development of water reservoirs by employing the Royal Initiated “Kaem Ling”, or water detention project, to retain excess water and store water for use in case of drought. We also emphasize building community resilience to adapt and prepare for water-related disasters by dredging canals and not building infrastructure that would block water course.

8. Water recognizes no boundaries. This is why international cooperation at all levels is very crucial.  And aside from national water management, Thailand has been active in trans-boundary water management and has been active in the sub-regional level, such as in the Mekong River Commission which was established to create a forum for dialogue to prevent conflicts that may emerge. Moreover, in 2013, Thailand hosted the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai. The Chiang Mai Declaration, which is the outcome of that meeting, emphasized the interconnection between water and sustainable development.

9. Water is life. Water guarantees the survival of humankind. Water is essential to everybody, whether rich or poor, whether they live in the city or in the rural area. This is why we need cooperation from all sectors, not only the government but also the civil society and the private sector, in water management.  And we should use all available opportunities to mobilize support around water, for the livelihoods of everyone, for sustainable economic growth and for the equilibrium of our ecosystem.

10. Thank you for your attention.

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