On 3 July 2026, IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Thailand, in collaboration with Thai Water Expo 2026 and Informa Markets, successfully organized the workshop “Co-Creating Smart Water System: Designing Smart Water Management Through Collective Participation and Shared Decision-Making” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Chotiwat Jintarakasem, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and Chair of IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Thailand, who emphasized the importance of empowering young water professionals, fostering collaboration, and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable water management.
The main session featured a combined keynote presentation and panel discussion, bringing together experts from government agencies, academia, research institutions, and local government. Dr. Prathan Banjongpru from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) shared insights from the Khlong Saen Saep case study, highlighting Bangkok urban water quality challenges, restoration initiatives, and practical lessons in water management. The discussion continued with the distinguished panelists, including Dr. Chawalit Chaiwong from GWSC/AIT and Mr. Wicharn Tantitham, Senior Advisor, Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT), Thailand. The session explored stakeholder engagement, digital innovation, collaborative governance, urban planning, and community participation in shaping future smart water systems. Throughout the workshop, participants interactively exchanged experiences, perspectives, and practical ideas, reinforcing that sustainable water management cannot rely on technology alone. Meaningful progress requires strong partnerships among government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, professional organizations, and local communities.
The successful organization of the workshop was supported by the dedication of the organizing committee and volunteers. Dr. Chawalit Chaiwong from AIT/GWSC contributed as a panelist and facilitator, while GWSC staff members including Ms. Kesirine Jinda, Ms. Wilasinee Chanamarn, and Ms. Panadda Panchai provided valuable support as volunteers in participant registration, workshop coordination, and overall event management.
Organizing committees: Mr. Thirawit Insuwan, Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organisation Dr. Bongkotrat Suyamud, Mahidol University, Dr. Chawalit Chaiwong, GWSC, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Dr. Chotiwat Jintarakasem, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA Dr. Thitiwut Maliwan, Chulalongkorn University, Miss Pratamaporn Homyok, Chulalongkorn University, Miss Anchidtha Pachano, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT).
About IWA YWP Thailand
IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Thailand was established in September 2025 as the country’s national chapter of the IWA YWP network, open to water professionals aged 35 and under working across academia, industry, government, NGOs, and the public sector. The chapter’s formation was inspired by the IWA Leadership Programme for Young Water Professionals (IWA LeaP), which trained its founding members as change agents within the YWP community.
The chapter aligns its work with Thailand’s National Water Agenda, which spans six priority areas: safe and consumable water; water security for agriculture and industry; flood and disaster management; water quality improvement; watershed and forest restoration; and governance and administration. Its stated aims include building an inclusive, collaborative ecosystem for YWPs and developing a new generation of water sector leaders in Thailand.