The eight founder members of AWA include AIT, Thai Hydrologist Association, Thai Waterwork Association, Water Institute for Sustainability, Federation of Thai Industries, Wastewater Management Authority, Thai Hydrogeology Association, Environmental Engineering Association of Thailand, and Thailand Water Resource Association.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish AWA was signed at AIT on 10 June 2015.
Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Chairman, AIT Board of Trustees Chairman, and President of Hydrologist Association stated that through AWA, members can exchange their ideas and experience about water, and recommend solutions about emerging water issues in Thailand. “Water does not come at the right place at the right time, and this is the problem that we need to solve,” Dr. Subin remarked.
In his welcome remarks, AIT President Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai said that in 1959, AIT commenced operations with only one field of study — “Hydrology.” This helped AIT alumni to emerge as leaders and planners in this field. Prof. Worsak stated that AIT has substantial experience in dealing with water-related issues. Stating that AIT is “an educational institute that is non-profit making,” the AIT President added that the Institute has a very strong international network, making it an ideal hub for all partners.
Explaining the rationale of the establishment of AWA, Dr. Apichart Anukularmphai, President of Thailand Water Resources Association (TWRA), said climate change and severe disasters had triggered serious issues related to water. “Thailand faced a major flood in 2011, and recent news reports have suggested that the reservoir levels in our dams are very low,” he said. This points towards the fact that Thailand is faced with numerous problems, and AWA will be a good platform to tackle these issues. “We would like to be leaders in water issues in AEC, and this is the first such water academy in the region,” he added.
According to the MOU, AWA will coordinate and support collaboration among various organizations and institutions for exchanging experience on water-related issues among all countries in the Asian region. It will also serve as a center of exchange knowledge on water management by conducting seminars and trainings. It will support the emergence of a knowledge-based society and facilitate cooperation at all levels on water management, water-related conflicts, and promote a realization of the value of water. Founding members of AWA can invite representatives from Asian countries for coordinating activities along with international agencies and organization.
Signatories to the AWA MoU signed on 10 June 2015 included Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Thai Hydrologist Association; Mr. Thanasak Watanathana, Governor, Thai Waterwork Association (TWWA); Mr. Teerasak Padoongtantrakul (on behalf of Mr. Bowon Vongsinudom), Federation of Thai Industries (FTI); Ms.Hatairat Likitanupak, Acting Director General of Wastewater Management Authority (WMA); Ms. Somkid Buapeng, Thai Hydrogeology Association (HAT); and Dr. Apichart Anukulampai, Thailand Water Resources Association, and Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, President, AIT.
Photo caption: From left are Mr. Teerasak Padoongtantrakul, Ms.Hatairat Likitanupak, Ms. Somkid Buapeng, Mr. Thanasak Watanathana, Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, and Dr. Apichart Anukulampai.