Pictures courtesy of SiamRath

The Royal Irrigation Department and the Rubber Authority of Thailand have jointly launched new rubber-based innovations designed to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, reduce costs and support sustainable water management across the country. The initiative introduces rubber floating barriers to trap water hyacinth and HDPE pipes blended with natural rubber for water delivery and drainage, with immediate deployment planned in irrigation areas nationwide.

The launch took place on 26 January 2026 at the Royal Irrigation Department’s Machinery Office in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. The event was chaired by Mr Winatroj Sapsoonsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, alongside Mr Suriyapol Nuchonong, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department and Dr Perk Lertwangpong, Acting Governor of the Rubber Authority of Thailand. Senior officials, civil servants, staff members and media representatives also attended.

The project builds on government policy to promote the domestic use of natural rubber, a key economic crop for Thailand. Rubber was selected for its flexibility, durability, long service life and suitability for domestic production, allowing it to replace some imported materials used in irrigation works. The collaboration integrates technical expertise, innovation development and material support from both agencies.

At the event, officials showcased the RID-UNITED rubber floating barriers for water hyacinth control and HDPE pipes mixed with rubber for water conveyance and drainage. Both products have already been tested and applied in real irrigation settings. According to Mr Suriyapol Nuchonong, these innovations improve operational efficiency, lower material and maintenance costs, and reduce environmental impact while being suitable for use across irrigation schemes nationwide.

Under the current plan, the project will use more than 900 tonnes of natural rubber. This will support the production of approximately 43,000 rubber floats and around 15,000 metres of rubber-mixed piping. The scale of use reflects a concrete outcome of cooperation between the Royal Irrigation Department and the Rubber Authority of Thailand.

Officials said the initiative not only enhances water management efficiency but also creates added value for Thai rubber. By expanding domestic demand, the project is expected to contribute to income stability for rubber farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector overall. The agencies described the project as a practical example of using national resources to support long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

SiamRath reported that the Royal Irrigation Department plans to expand the application of these rubber-based innovations to irrigation projects throughout the country. Continued cooperation with the Rubber Authority of Thailand will focus on further product development, knowledge integration, and broader adoption in line with Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives policy.

Key Takeaways

• The project introduces rubber floats and rubber-mixed HDPE pipes for use in irrigation nationwide.

• More than 900 tonnes of natural rubber will be used to produce 43,000 floats and 15,000 metres of piping.

• The initiative aims to cut costs, reduce imports, and add value to Thai rubber while supporting farmers.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siamrath 2026-01-27

 

 

I always knew rubbers supported the economy!