25 October 2024 – The AIT Belt and Road Research Center (BRRC) hosted the inaugural China-Thai Collaboration in Environmental Protection Seminar, themed “United Strategies for Black-Odorous Urban Rivers: Insights and Innovations from Chinese and Thai Perspectives.” The seminar aimed to address the issue of urban black-odorous river pollution, strengthen bilateral relations, and promote sustainable practices for controlling water pollution in the region. Co-organizers of the seminar included Tongji University, China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd. (CHEC), and Supumps Environmental Technology (Changzhou) Co., Ltd.
Opening remarks by Prof. Pai-chi Li, President of AIT, and Prof. Li Fengting, Deputy Dean at Tongji University, set the stage for discussions on the challenges of urban water quality. Dr. Nuttakan Wongfun from Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) shared the country’s strategies to address water pollution, which include enforcing the Water Resources Act, expanding wastewater treatment efforts, and utilizing Big Data. Dr. Gao Qiusheng from China’s Research Academy of Environmental Sciences emphasized China’s comprehensive approach, which involves pollution source control, sediment dredging, and ecological restoration. He cited projects like Yueya Lake and Meishe River that have significantly improved water quality. Dr. Pathan Bunjongpru from Bangkok’s Metropolitan Administration discussed the current state of water management in Bangkok, noting that only 13% of wastewater is treated. He outlined plans to increase this coverage to 96% by 2040 through public-private partnerships and community engagement.
In the session titled “Insights from Research and Practice in Managing Urban Black-Odorous Water Issues,” Prof. Thammarat Koottatep from AIT and Prof. Zhang Xinliang from the Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences presented large-scale approaches to sanitation and river rehabilitation. Prof. Thammarat emphasized the urban sanitation challenges faced in Asia, advocating for improved fecal sludge management and inclusive planning for low-income communities. Prof. Zhang discussed the Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation project, which has transformed polluted waterways in Shanghai, improving water quality to Class III standards and revitalizing 42 kilometers of waterfront. Their presentations emphasized the significance of integrated, science-driven planning and active community involvement in managing water pollution.
The session titled “Technological Solutions and Industrial Opportunities” featured discussions on advanced remediation technologies by Dr. Li Chuan, Dr. Chayawee Wangcharoenrung, and Dr. Shen Zheng. Dr. Li from China Harbor Engineering emphasized sewage interception and sediment dredging alongside ecological techniques like constructed wetlands. Dr. Chayawee from Thailand’s PCD introduced Thailand’s Treatment Efficiency Label (TEL) system, which standardizes wastewater treatment for domestic use and encourages innovation. Dr. Shen from Tongji University presented remediation strategies that utilize magnetic separation and biofilm technologies, showcasing the transformation of polluted rivers in Chinese cities. The session highlighted a shared vision of leveraging technology, regulation, and ecological engineering to enhance urban water management.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Wenchao Xue, Director of AIT BRRC, explored cross-border strategies for black-odorous river remediation. Dr. Gao emphasized the urgent need to address this pollution problem swiftly in both countries. Dr. Pathan pointed out that seasonal variations in water levels as a challenge, drawing on insights from similar efforts in Suzhou. Dr. Shen underscored the need for Thailand to establish policies before selecting appropriate technologies. Regarding industrial cooperation, Dr. Li proposed government investment and BOT or PPP models, noting CHEC’s potential expertise and funding support. Dr. Chayawee concluded by stressing the impact of demonstration projects, suggesting that exposure to China’s environmental improvements could inspire public confidence and commitment in Thailand.
The seminar is the first seminar of the China-Thai Collaboration in Environmental Protection Series on the China-Thailand Environmental Technology and Industry Cooperation Platform that has been launched on October 24th, 2024, in BIETC, Bangkok.This Seminar Series aims to create a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from both countries. It will showcase successful environmental technologies, promote collaborative strategies to address various significant environmental issues, and enhance the technical capabilities of environmental professionals in Thailand and China. This seminar, focused on United Strategies for Black-Odorous Urban Rivers, concluded with a commitment to further activities under the China-Thailand Environmental Technology and Industrial Cooperation Platform, marking a significant step toward regional environmental collaboration.
