Strategic foresight of industrial water management in Thailand.

Abstract

This research study the current and future situation of industrial water management in Thailand. Compared with the most four productive countries through bibliometric analysis with the VOS viewer program, the publications in Thailand mainly focus on water use efficiency and water and energy integration. Unlike, the other countries tend to balance the research on water use, water quality, and water-energy nexus. Indeed, the current significant challenge of industrial water is the water quality improvement with six components based on semi-structured interview. These include the manufacturing process, wastewater treatment technologies, awareness, knowledge management, law and regulation, and government support. For the future situation in the next five years relying on interview, the water technologies will be improved, particularly in value-added waste and cost-saving efficiency; however, the critical driving forces of future water management that are the law, leaders’ mindset, staff knowledge, community acceptance as well. Therefore, the appropriate strategies to cope with this future challenge are suggested to the five guidelines: fit-for-purpose technologies and law, monitoring water quality and reward, active top management support, project recovery integration, and stakeholder engagement.