Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul
The steering committee for “Monkey Cheek Physical Model for Sanam Chai-Mahachai Canal Project: The King of Thailand’s Initiative” has expressed full satisfaction at the demonstration project at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, executive chairperson of the advisory committee
for the project, appreciated the work during the demonstration at the
AIT outdoor laboratory.
AIT President Said Irandoust remarked that he was very pleased at the
work done by AIT in the project. Welcoming the members of the steering
committee, he stated that AIT is proud to be part of a project which is
dear to His Majesty, the King of Thailand.
The Monkey Cheek project in the Mahachai-Sanamchai canals performs the
function of storing flood waters in the upper areas, while at the same
time releasing water into the Gulf of Thailand in relation to the tide
levels of the sea by relying on the appropriate use of gravity and
pumping stations. The project comprises construction of regulators and
pumping stations in canals, which yield considerable benefits without
requiring huge investments. It can be linked with the Monkey Cheek
project in the lower Tha Chin River to form an integrated system for
efficient flood alleviation in Bangkok.
Dr. Sutat Weesakul, Principal Investigator of the project stated that
AIT has been rendering its service towards the study which is a part of
the overall project to be carried out by Hydro and Agro Informatics
Institute (HAII) for the Chaipattana
Foundation. H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the executive
chairperson of the Chaipattana Foundation.
AIT has been responsible for constructing the physical model and
performing the function of storing flood water not only in the upper
areas, but also in the ponds donated by local people and the golf
course. The main objective is to provide the appropriate procedure for
operating all regulators and pumping stations so that they are in
harmony with natural conditions.
Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Vice President (Resource Development),
Dr. Mukand- Singh Babel, Coordinator, Water Engineering and Management
Field of Study at AIT, were also present during the demonstration
project. Later a meeting of the Steering Committee of the project was
held at AIT.
Members of the Steering Committee of the project include the Office of
the Secretary General of the project; Director General of Royal
Irrigation Department and Provincial Governor of Samutsakhon province.
The advisory committee comprises of Dr Sumet Tantivejkul as the
executive chairperson; Director of Regional Irrigation Office; Dr.
Sutat Weesakul; Dr. Chit Laowattana; Representative from Best Ocean
Gold Limited; Mr. Sonkaak Supavej; Representative from CAS Printing
City Limited; Mr. Suchart Kinchan and Director of HAII, Dr. Royol
Chitradon.
Dr. Sutat Weesakul (extreme left)
explains the details of the project as Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai,
Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Dr. Mukand Singh Babel and Prof. Said Irandoust
look at the simulation model.