A small initiative with a big dream has taken root on the banks of the Bang Khunthian canal, a waterway steeped in history and yearning for a return to its former glory.
This dream comes in the form of the LuxCanal, a small solar-powered boat equipped to collect the debris that has plagued these vital arteries of Bangkok for too long.
Give this odd-looking solar boat a wave if you spot it on a canal! //Photo by Parinya Padungtin
The project, born from international collaboration and community spirit, represents not just a cleanup effort, but a beacon of hope for the future of Bangkok’s waterways.
The journey began in August of last year with the signing of a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Embassy of Luxembourg in Bangkok, Phuket-based boat builder WAWA Creations, and Poomjai Garden, a century-old lychee orchard and eco-cultural heritage garden.
Poomjai Garden: Where this small initiative began. //Photo by Warunee Maneekum
Patrick Hemmer, Luxembourg’s ambassador to Thailand, represented the Embassy’s involvement.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) played a crucial role in connecting the Embassy with the ideal community partner.
Guiding this project from its inception has been the BMA’s Pornphrom Vikitsreth whose guidance has been instrumental in realizing the dream.
Adding a crucial technical element, WAWA Creations built the solar-powered boat, named “LuxCanal,” specifically for this mission.
On January 8, the culmination of these efforts was celebrated at Poomjai Garden with the official handover of the LuxCanal to the Garden on behalf of the Bang Khunthian canal community in Chom Thong District.
This marked a significant step in the project’s aim to address waste management and water pollution while simultaneously transforming the Bang Khunthian and Khlong Dan canals into sustainable tourism destinations.
The LuxCanal’s mission is twofold. Firstly, it is a practical solution to the immediate problem of canal pollution.
A close-up view of the LuxCanal. //Photo by Warunee Maneekum
Mongkol Kiatkanjanakul - operator of solar Thai taxi boats, and a friend of the garden’s owner Porntip Thiensub - joined the initiative, arranging pilot tours along the canals to secure initial funding.
These funds are vital for employing a licensed driver and at least one staff member to operate the LuxCanal and collect garbage with nets and other tools.
The collected waste is then transported to Terra Cycle, a recycling plant, ensuring responsible disposal and further minimizing environmental impact.
Thai PBS World documented the LuxCanal’s maiden voyage, capturing the first collection of waste delivered to Terra Cycle in late January, symbolizing the project’s tangible progress. Within its first month, the LuxCanal removed 100 kg trash from the waterways.
Secondly, the LuxCanal’s work complements the BMA’s ongoing efforts, providing a more localized and community-driven approach to waste collection, particularly in the narrower and more intricate sections of the canals.
The project also aims to raise awareness and inspire change. Poomjai Garden, in a heartfelt Facebook post, articulated the project’s broader vision: “Big changes start with small steps close to home.”
They emphasized the importance of preserving both green spaces and cultural heritage, viewing the canal cleanup not just as an environmental project but as a revitalization of Bangkok’s lifeblood.
SirinVari, a Thai vintage-style electric boat, serves tourists at Poomjai Garden. //Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae
The post highlighted the contributions of volunteers like Mongkol who owns two solar boats “Sol Solar” and “Sirivari”, emphasizing that even small actions can have a ripple effect.
“Change doesn’t always start with something big—it starts with small intentions and a desire to make a difference,” the post continued, inviting the community to share their own stories and join the movement.
The long-term sustainability of the LuxCanal’s operation is a key focus. Mongkoland Poomjai Garden’s owner Porntip, envision a self-sustaining model, with proceeds from special boat tours funding the daily operational costs of approximately 600 baht per staff member.
He has already designed a unique tourist experience, offering trips around Poomjai Garden and landmarks like Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan (Wat Chomthong) for a maximum of ten people at 6,000 baht per trip.
Initially, he is targeting his network of friends and alumni to support this fundraising effort.
While these tours represent the initial funding strategy, Poomjai Garden’s owner Porntip and Mongkol are also exploring other options, including donation boxes at the garden and partnerships with organizations committed to environmental sustainability.
The LuxCanal project is more than just a boat; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.
It’s a symbol of hope that, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, small steps, driven by a shared vision, can pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant future for Bangkok’s canals.
If you see this small boat with a “strange design” as it winds its way along the canal, give it a wave!!
