Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

THAILAND - The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) remains without a leader, as Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum continues the search for a suitable candidate. Two weeks after the removal of the former chief Danucha Pichayanan, the position is still vacant. Sophon stressed the necessity of appointing someone with strong water management skills.

 

On November 4, Danucha was reassigned as secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), effective November 22. He took over from Onfa Vejjajiva, who returned to her previous role at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC). Ekniti Nitithanprapa, the Finance Minister, stated that the NESDC needed Danucha to complete projects disrupted by changes under the previous government.

 

Critics argue that the unoccupied leadership post at the ONWR has contributed to recent flood issues, particularly the severe flooding in Hat Yai district, Songkhla. The ONWR, established as a central command for water management across Thailand, coordinates efforts from more than 30 agencies across various ministries. Despite Danucha's departure, the ONWR’s website still lists him as the secretary-general, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

The search for a new head continues, with no clear timeline for an appointment. The decision is pressing given the ongoing water-related challenges in the country.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The ONWR is currently without a leader after Danucha Pichayanan's reassignment.
• Critics connect the leadership vacancy to recent severe flooding in Songkhla.
• The search for a qualified new leader with water management expertise continues.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-03

 

 

 

There is one of the problems ( 30 agencies across various ministries.) Thailand structure is Fragmented  all battling to be top dog and getting nowhere  its Total incompetence, look at the floods !! why was capt flour put in charge he has no experience in anything 

43 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

There is one of the problems ( 30 agencies across various ministries.) Thailand structure is Fragmented  all battling to be top dog and getting nowhere  its Total incompetence, look at the floods !! why was capt flour put in charge he has no experience in anything 

Can you imagine trying to chair a meeting with 30 members all trying to deflect the blame onto each other.No wonder they cannt find a suitable person  its more likely no one wants to take the jod on.

 

Just now, Hardcastle P said:

Can you imagine trying to chair a meeting with 30 members all trying to deflect the blame onto each other.No wonder they cannt find a suitable person  its more likely no one wants to take the jod on.

 

Thats not the point the whole infrastructure needs to change  NO 30 agencies. they have Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM)  1 Dept once a disaster is declared  they should contain it, ONWR  is only for water Resources