Having visited every square inch of the country, His Majesty was aware of water problems and the importance of water management.

His Majesty’s first water project was Khao Tao reservoir in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, back in the summer of 1962. After paying them a visit, His Majesty saw that the people lacked fresh water for consumption and agriculture. Therefore, His Majesty ordered the building of a reservoir to collect rainwater instead of letting it flow into the sea. Khao Tao reservoir was built in 1963 and is capable of storing up to 600,000 cubic metres of water.

His Majesty believed that water is the source of life. On March 17, 1986 His Majesty declared the following in a speech delivered at Chitralada Palace, “We must realise the importance of water. We need it to drink, for daily use and for agriculture. Where there is water, there is life. If there is water, we can survive. If there is no electricity, we can still survive. However, if there is no water but there is electricity, we will perish…”

His Majesty’s Royal Projects focused on making use of each area’s climate and considering the area’s culture and economy. The water projects not only help improve agriculture and everyday consumption, but also conserve natural sources of water, generate electricity, prevent flooding, and reduce water pollution. Among His Majesty’s Royal Projects are Pa Sak Jolasid Dam in Lopburi province, Khun Dan Prakarnchon Dam in Nakhon Nayok province, and Khlong Lat Pho in Samut Prakan province.

It is evident that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had devoted himself for the wellbeing of the Thai people throughout his reign, proving what His Majesty had once written in a letter, “My place in this world is being among my people.”