The Origin and Significance of the Rama VI Barrage, Tha Luang Sub-Distrct, Tha Rua District, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

This article aim to study the origin and significance of the Rama VI barrage which constructed and completed in 1924. This is qualitative research by collecting data from documentary sources. It was found that at the beginning of King Rama VI’s reign, along drought of three years duration struck the country easing serve damages to paddy fields along the lowlands of the Chao Phaya river. King Rama VI appointed one committee with H.R.H. Krom Luang Rajaburi Direkrith, the Minister of Agriculture, as the chairman, to tackle the problem. The committee advised that there should be an urgent program to improve the irrigation woks. The search for technical assistance from the British government, Sir Thomas Ward, an irrigation expert, at that time Siam set Royal Irrigation Department in 1914. Sir Thomas Ward come to study and plan the irrigation system for the country. After reviewing all the data, initially, 5 small-scaled project must by implemented which South Pasak Project was one of these projects. The Siam government decided to construct the South Pasak Project in 1915 which a barrage was constructed across the Pasak River at Tha luang sub-district, The Rua district, Ayutthaya province. The barrage was originally named “Khuen Phra Thienracha” and its construction began in 1916. The barrage completed in 1924 and its name changed into Rama VI barrage. The irrigation canal was constructed to distributed water from Pasak river to parts of Saraburi, Ayutthaya and Rangsit area of Pathum Thani, the irrigation command area was 680,000 rai for its allocation. In sum up, results of barrage construction, farmers benefit from growing rice and exporting millions of pounds of rice for export.