AIT to Develop Faecal Sludge Management System in Thaklong

Following the dictum of “think globally, act locally,” AIT is also contributing towards the development of local and regional capacity. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Mayor of Thaklong Municipality in Pathum Thani province, Mr. Thai Thogprang, and AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai on 22 December 2017, works towards this goal of local application of internationally-tested technologies.

Mayor Thai Thogprang thanked AIT for its commitment to academic excellence, adding that the he looks forward to working with the Institute. "We are pleased to sign this cooperation agreement for AIT," the Mayor said.  AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai spoke about AIT’s mission towards the sustainable development of Asia. He remarked that this agreement is a good example of cooperation between an educational institution and a local agency as it demonstrates the application of scientific knowledge in a very practical way.

According to Dr. Thammarat Koottatep, the lead player from AIT on this partnership, AIT will develop Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) systems in Thaklong Municipality. It will also act as a center for promoting and supporting innovative technology information for similar organizations in law and middle-income countries to disseminate this technology, he added.

Thaklong municipality is the local administrative organization under the Department of Local Administration in the Ministry of Interior. Created in July 1996, the municipality is responsible for public order, land and water maintenance, cleanliness of public places, and helping various sections of society.

Attending the event on behalf of Thaklong municipality were Mayor Thai Thogprang; Dr. Achara Taweesan, Research Specialist; Ms Maneechotiros Rotthong, Research Staff; and Ms. Wipharat Khongpu, Technical Staff. AIT was represented by Prof. Worsak. Dr. Thammarat of School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), and Dr.Atitaya Panuvatvanich, also of SERD.