Thai IWA YWP Chapter Activities at the 2026 IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in Bangkok

The IWA Young Water Professionals (YWPs) Thailand Chapter successfully launched its first official activity with a YWP Evening Gathering held alongside the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The gathering brought together YWPs attending the Congress for an informal evening of networking, shared experiences, and exploration of the city. It provided a relaxed setting for young professionals from different countries to connect beyond the conference venue and engage with local water issues in a meaningful way.  

On Monday evening, 8th December 2025, participants departed from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre using Bangkok’s MRT (Bangkok’s underground train), one of the city’s main public transportation systems. The journey continued by canal boat from Phetchaburi Pier along the Saen Saep Canal to Pratunam Pier, followed by a walk across the Chaloem Lok Skywalk. During the trip, members of the Thai YWP Chapter shared insights on Khlong Saen Saep and the water quality challenges it faces. 

Flowing through the heart of Bangkok, the Saen Saep Canal is heavily impacted by direct wastewater discharges, overflows from combined sewer systems (CSOs), urban runoff, and solid waste. These pressures result in foul odours and public health risks for communities living along the canal, and ecosystem degradation. Despite ongoing interventions, such as the expansion of wastewater collection networks connected to centralised treatment plants, canal restoration and sludge dredging efforts, and public awareness campaigns, the canal continues to face those challenges and remains a visible reminder of the complex water challenges confronting rapidly growing cities. This made it a highly relevant topic of discussion as the group made their way to dinner at the well-known local restaurant, Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice. Along the journey, participants shared their reflections and perspectives on the canal and its challenges. 

Danish, Chair of the IWA YWP India Chapter, highlighted the importance of integrated approaches: “It was wonderful to be introduced to the water issues in Bangkok, especially the canal sections affected by pollution. There are strong opportunities for integrated water management and nature-based solutions to improve water quality. Most importantly, behaviour change must start at the grassroots level, with education from schools onwards to ensure proper handling of solid waste and pollutants.” 

Chelsea Hayward, Chair of the YWP Steering Committee, from Australia, emphasised the role of awareness: “I may not have a direct solution to the water pollution problem, but creating awareness and educating local communities is essential. Increased understanding can reduce pollution and also put pressure on decision-makers to improve canal management.” 

Other participants echoed similar themes, suggesting community-based mapping exercises, sensitisation efforts, and the implementation of decentralised treatment systems, drawing on examples such as Japan’s Johkasou systems and canal rehabilitation initiatives in India. Strengthening discharge controls, enhancing routine maintenance through sludge removal, and introducing floating wetlands were also proposed as practical measures to reduce odour and improve natural purification. 

After dinner, the evening continued with a visit to the Palladium Night Market and Central World Night Market, offering participants a chance to experience Bangkok’s vibrant night scene before heading off on their own. The gathering not only marked a successful first activity for the IWA Thai IWA YWP Chapter but also demonstrated how informal settings can foster meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and inspiration around real-world water challenges. 

Bangkok by night…cruising along the Saen Saep Canal 

All aboard! YWPs heading to Pratunam Pier by canal boat 

Water talks on the water: Thai YWP sharing insights on Khlong Saen Saep