Netherlands and Thailand team up to tackle floods and river pollution

The Netherlands and Thailand, both of which face increasing seasonal flooding, are boosting cooperation to mitigate flood risks, Dutch Ambassador Remco van Wijngaarden has said.

Van Wijngaarden noted that a delegation from his Water and Infrastructure and Analysis ministry has been in Thailand to discuss solutions for water management in the Chao Phraya River, said Van Wijngaarden, whose country is globally renowned for its water management expertise.

“The Netherlands has had to be innovative in water management and drainage systems, as half of the country is susceptible to flooding. Thailand is also vulnerable to climate change,” he said.

The Interceptor was spotted on the Chao Phraya river. Photo credits: Embassy of the Netherlands in Thailand.

In addition to flood management, he also highlighted the work of a Dutch innovation company, which has provided a specialised vessel to collect large amounts of rubbish from the river. The boat has been operating in Bangkok for over a year.

He added that the vessel, called “The Interceptor”, has collected more than 185,000 kilograms of plastic and other garbage from the river. He stressed that this collaboration with Thai authorities marks a significant step forward for Dutch innovation in the city.

By Franc Han Shih, Thai PBS World

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