On 16th March 2026, we inaugurated a Clean Drinking Water System at Sai Thong Rat Uthit School in the Samoeng-Tai district of Chiang Mai Province, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Tokyo Shintoshin and the Rotary Club of Sarapee. The project ensures safe, reliable drinking water for 138 students and staff, replacing an outdated system that had relied on contaminated well water.
The inauguration was attended by Past President Chiemi Svensson, Past President John Quarmby, and President Hiroyoshi Aoki of the Rotary Club of Tokyo Shintoshin, reflecting the strong international collaboration behind the project.
On 16th March 2026, Past President Chiemi Svensson and Past President John Quarmby, together with partners from the Rotary Club of Tokyo Shintoshin, Japan, and the Rotary Club of Sarapee in Chiang Mai, inaugurated a newly installed clean drinking water system at Sai Thong Rat Uthit School in the Samoeng-Tai district of Chiang Mai Province.
The Rotary Club of Tokyo Shintoshin, which sponsored the project, was represented at the inauguration by President Hiroyoshi Aoki.
Sai Thong Rat Uthit School serves 138 students from Kindergarten through to Junior High (M1–M3), supported by a teaching staff of eight. Most students come from local farming families. Prior to the project, the school drew water from an on-site well: the water was hard and contaminated with coliform bacteria, and the existing treatment system was outdated and ineffective.
The new clean drinking water system brings a clear improvement in health, safety, and daily conditions for students and staff alike.
The Rotary Club of Sarapee, which nominated the school for support, attended the inauguration in full, led by Assistant Governor Krissada. The club will continue to provide ongoing support to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system.
Sports equipment was also presented jointly by the Rotary Club of Tokyo Shintoshin and the Rotary Club of Bangkok. The students marked the occasion with a lively programme of traditional and modern dance.
The visit concluded with a shared lunch in the village, a fitting close to a day built on community and partnership.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NUMxzmQxbF4itWKd6?g_st=am
Photo: https://rotarybangkok.org/PhotoAlbums/water-purification-handover-chiang-mai-16-march-2026