Developing a Sustainable Water Management Framework for the Chi River Basin

Abstract

Background and Aims: The Chi River Basin is a critical water resource system in northeastern Thailand, supporting agriculture, ecosystems, and local livelihoods. However, it faces persistent challenges such as floods, droughts, fragmented governance, and limited stakeholder participation. These issues highlight the need for a more integrated and sustainable water management framework. This study aims to (1) examine the current context of water resource management in the Chi River Basin, (2) identify key problems and obstacles, (3) develop a sustainable water management model, and (4) propose policy recommendations applicable to similar river basins.

Methodology: A qualitative research approach was employed across 15 provinces in the Chi River Basin. Data were collected from 25 key informants, including policy-level representatives, operational staff, water users, and civil society, through in-depth interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using content analysis based on McKinsey’s 7S Framework, Ostrom’s commons theory, and participatory concepts.

Results: The findings reveal that water management in the Chi River Basin remains centralized, fragmented, and reactive, with overlapping institutional roles, limited integration across agencies, insufficient resource allocation, and inconsistent stakeholder participation. The study proposes a practical and sustainable management model consisting of four key components: (1) Flexible and integrated strategies, including adaptive planning mechanisms, two-way communication systems with communities, and climate-responsive decision-making processes; (2) Balanced and modern organizational structures, emphasizing decentralized governance through basin-level committees with increased representation of local stakeholders and clearly defined roles and coordination mechanisms; (3) Comprehensive management systems, involving the development of integrated water data platforms using Big Data, GIS, and AI for real-time monitoring, forecasting, and decision support; and (4) Human resource development with shared values, focusing on capacity building for both officials and communities, participatory training programs, and the promotion of collaborative water governance culture. These components are operationalized through mechanisms such as multi-stakeholder decision-making platforms, real-time data integration systems, community-based water management initiatives, and transparent monitoring and evaluation processes.

Conclusion: Sustainable water management in the Chi River Basin requires a paradigm shift from centralized governance to decentralized and participatory approaches. Strengthening local capacity, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and institutionalizing collaborative governance mechanisms are essential for long-term sustainability. The proposed model provides a practical framework that can be adapted to other river basins with similar socio-environmental contexts.