Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Governor of Pathum Thani province, Asst.Prof.Dr.Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, Vice-Rector for Administration and Sustainability at
Thammasat University, and community leaders went to Nong Nam Sai School, Phachi district, Ayutthaya to study water hyacinth processing. The sustainable management of the water hyacinth project is the cooperation between Thammasat University and Pathum Thani province.
Water hyacinth was considered as a weed that has a rapid growth rate and high weather endurance. It can survive in both still and running water. Therefore, the plant can expand rapidly by both seed and budding reproduction.As a result, there is an invasive expansion of water hyacinth which leads to many problems in the aquatic ecosystem throughout the country.
Many freshwater ecosystems encounter problems so people in Ayutthaya have found the solution to get rid of this pest and make it become useful. Therefore, the use of water hyacinth for single-time use plates and bowls was created.
The important quality of water hyacinth plate is that it has the ability to withstand heat and can be used with liquids and ideal as a replacement for disposable packaging. It helps reduce plastic waste, foam products and also decreases the number of weeds that clog waterways. The important thing is that there will be no issue of material shortage. Moreover, there is extensive use of water hyacinths such as Air Bubble, clothes from water hyacinth fiber, handbags and shoes.
Recently, “Kayaking for Old Chao Phraya River, Pathum Thani” activity was also implemented and people were rowing the boat to collect garbage. There was also an exhibition and a discourse to raise people’s awareness and build community cooperation to rehabilitate the canal. As a result, this is the pioneer example of the mutual attempt between the community, temples, and government sector.
Other communities around the river will see this as an example and cooperate to revive and restore the river and the canal area.
