Irrigation Systems in Thailand: A Comprehensive Overview
Thailand is one of Asia’s leading agricultural nations, producing rice, sugarcane, cassava, fruits, vegetables, and aquaculture products. Due to Thailand’s tropical monsoon climate—wet season followed by long dry spells—irrigation is essential for stable crop production.
The country’s irrigation systems are mainly developed and managed by the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
1. Major Irrigation Systems in Thailand
Thailand uses several irrigation methods depending on geography, water availability, and crop type.
1. Surface (Gravity) Irrigation
Surface irrigation—especially flood irrigation—is the most common in Thailand.
Where it is used:
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Central Plains (rice bowl of Thailand)
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Northern river basins
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Northeastern plateau
Why it’s popular:
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Low cost
-
Ideal for rice paddies requiring controlled water levels
Reference:
Royal Irrigation Department – Projects
FAO AQUASTAT – Thailand Water Report
2. Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinkler systems are used in areas unsuitable for flood irrigation.
Common for:
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Vegetables
-
Flowers
-
Rubber
-
Orchards
Benefits:
-
Higher efficiency
-
Suitable for uneven or sloped land
Reference:
RID Irrigation Modernization Report
3. Micro (Drip) Irrigation
A fast-growing method, especially in fruit farming.
Used for:
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Durian
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Dragon fruit
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Mango
-
Citrus
-
Greenhouse vegetables
Benefits:
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Saves 40–60% water
-
Allows fertigation
-
Improves fruit quality
Reference:
FAO – Drip Irrigation in Tropical Countries
4. Pump Irrigation (Groundwater & Rivers)
Farmers use electric, diesel, and solar-powered pumps for irrigation where canal water is insufficient.
Prominent in:
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Northeast Thailand (Isan)
-
Eastern fruit zones
-
Northern highlands
Reference:
Thailand Groundwater Department – Pump Systems
2. Irrigation Infrastructure in Thailand
Thailand’s irrigation network includes:
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Large dams & reservoirs (Bhumibol, Sirikit, Pasak Jolasid)
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Diversion dams & weirs
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Main, secondary, and tertiary canals
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Pumping stations
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Community water storage pits
Reference:
RID Annual Water Resource Management Report
3. Major Irrigation Regions
Central Region (Highly Irrigated)
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Rice, vegetables, fruits
-
Dense canal network
Northeast Region (Water-Scarce)
-
Groundwater pumps
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Small reservoirs
-
Drip irrigation adoption rising
Northern Region
-
Mountain runoff
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Terrace irrigation
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Fruits & vegetables
Eastern Region
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Durian, mangosteen, rambutan
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Micro-irrigation expansion
4. Water & Energy Conservation in Thailand
Thailand promotes modern water-saving practices such as:
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Night-time irrigation
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Low-pressure sprinkler systems
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Soil moisture sensors
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Solar-powered pumps
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Drip fertigation systems
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Water recycling in greenhouses
Reference:
Thailand Ministry of Agriculture – Smart Farming Program
FAO – Water Efficiency Programs
5. Challenges in Thailand’s Irrigation Sector
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Seasonal droughts (El Niño)
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Sedimentation reducing reservoir capacity
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High dependence on monsoon rainfall
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Groundwater over-extraction
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Irregular rainfall patterns due to climate change
6. Opportunities for Thailand’s Irrigation Future
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Smart IoT irrigation systems
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Soil sensor-based water scheduling
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Solar-powered irrigation
-
Expansion of drip systems for fruit exports
-
Precision agriculture for water savings
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