Bangkok: Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, officiated the handover ceremony of the Bang Krachao water gate to honor His Majesty the King and improve water management, agriculture, and tourism. The event took place in the Krapho Mu area (Khung Bang Kachao) at Wat Bang Kachao Nok, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. It was attended by Mr. Orsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and other officials from the Ministry of Interior and Samut Prakan Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony marked the transfer of 34 renovated water gates, originally constructed in 1994 by the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning. The renovations were carried out by the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) of Samut Prakan, and the gates will now be managed by six Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (SAOs) including Bang Yo, Bang Ka Jao, Bang Kobua, Bang Nam Phueng, Bang Krasop, and Songkhonong. Following the cer
emony, Mr. Anutin visited the Sufficiency Economy Learning Center in Samut Prakan Province.
Mr. Anutin emphasized the benefits of the renovations, stating that the upgraded water gates will enhance water management, positively impacting about 768 households in the area. The improvements are expected to increase agricultural income and bolster the local economy by leveraging Bang Kachao’s natural resources and tourism potential. He urged the community to adopt the sufficiency economy philosophy and sustainable development principles championed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
Ms. Nantida Kaewbuasai, President of the Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organization, highlighted the historical context of the water gates, noting that they were initially built to mitigate flooding and saltwater intrusion, which had adversely affected agricultural yields. Over time, the structures deteriorated, necessitating a renovation project that exceeded the capacities of local administrative organization
s. Consequently, the Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organization undertook the task, subsequently handing over the restored gates to the local organizations for continued management.
Ms. Nantida expressed gratitude for the support from the Samut Prakan community and reiterated the project’s alignment with the royal initiative to preserve Khung Bang Kachao as a sustainable green area, ensuring its role as a vital ecological and economic resource for the province.