Leam Phak Bia Environmental Research and Development Project is a Royal Project, another of King Rama IX’s initiatives. By way of introduction, there’s no better way than to use the King’s words :

The King Says........"Another important problem concerns the environment. The matter of pollution and garbage has been studied. Solutions are not difficult. There is technology to do the job. It can be done in Thailand....I am thinking of doing so, but still have to find the location for this.”
“.....I said earlier that wastewater could be used in the agricultural sector. However, it requires an area of about 5,000 rai (800 hectare) to do it. It can be done successfully with the help of experts. If someone donates 5,000 rai (800 hectare) of land close to Bangkok for this purpose, it is possible to see the project before retirement. The project that will be undertaken can be done. The idea is to remove toxics such as heavy metals. There are ways to do it. Next concerns atmosphere, maybe aeration is not necessary. Wastewater can either be added in a pond or the grassland. Then turn grassland into grazing land. Part of the land is used for plantation.”

The project is all about teaching us all about environmental issues that we all create. The trip around the ponds is interesting; each location has its function. Then there is the mangrove, the margin between potentially productive land and the sea. A tram deposits you at the entrance to the mangrove forest. From there is a planked walkway cut directly through to the ocean. As it reappears in the sunlight it continues for 100 metres onto the tidal mudflats. Its here you can gaze back and see the true beauty of the mangrove, something we are in danger of losing.

At the visitor centre they demonstrate the processes involved here. The technology is simple but effective with up to 80% of the sewerage recycled as treated water. The rest can be periodically collected and suitably processed for agricultural use. The treated water is clean enough to raise fish while more is pumped into the mangrove forest itself which when mixed with seawater, helps to sustain it and the creatures that live in it. It’s a fascinating story of an initiative that might turn the tide (no pun intended) of mangrove destruction and environmental disaster.