June 6, 2025
Bangkonthee Subdistrict, Samut Songkhram Province
The National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), part of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), has developed a prototype boat for trash collection and weed removal, with support from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). The project is part of the ‘Prototype Machinery Development through Engineering for Value Creation’ initiative, which aims to reduce aquatic weed buildup in secondary canals within Bangkonthee Subdistrict, Bangkonthee District, Samut Songkhram Province.
The field visit was led by Dr. Sarawut Lertpalangsanti, Deputy Executive Director of MTEC, accompanied by a team of researchers. They were warmly welcomed by Ms. Renu Leknimit, Mayor of the Bangkonthee Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), and her team. The two sides discussed ways to address the urgent problem of aquatic weed buildup, which has obstructed water flow and transportation in local canals and small waterways connected to the Mae Klong River, while also contributing to long-term water pollution.
On this occasion, MTEC, through its Mechanical Systems Development Research Team, introduced a prototype boat for trash collection and weed removal, developed through field research and user-centered design. The team began by assessing on-site conditions and identifying user needs to create a design that is practical, user-friendly, easy to operate, and effective in real-world applications. The project received funding support under the ‘Prototype Machinery Development through Engineering for Value Creation’ initiative for the 2023 fiscal year.
The initiative began in May 2024, when the Bangkonthee Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) submitted a request to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, for support in acquiring a trash-collecting and weed-removal boat to assist with local canal-cleaning efforts. The boat was intended to serve as a labor-saving device in ‘Long-Kaek-Long-Khlong’ or ‘Communal labor for Canal clean-up’ activities—community-driven efforts in which residents work together to clear waterways, remove obstructive aquatic weeds, and rehabilitate canal areas to ensure proper drainage and maintain vital water-based transportation routes. These canals remain central to household life, agriculture, and river transportation in the community. On April 9, 2025, the research team officially handed over the prototype boat to Bangkonthee SAO and has since been conducting follow-ups to monitor its use. The team has been gathering technical feedback to support future improvements and development. Results from the initial deployment indicate that the prototype operates effectively and fulfills its intended purpose, providing practical benefits to the community.
Building on the success of this initiative, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) will continue to apply science and technology to develop prototype machinery that meets community needs while promoting sustainable environmental practices. The center remains committed to advancing practical innovations that create lasting impact at the local level.
