Pathum Thani aims to transform the "Eye of Thailand" into a global landmark

The Eye of Thailand Emerges in Pathum Thani

The Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization has begun formal steps to protect and develop a circular floating island known as the Eye of Thailand. Located in a wetland area of Pathum Thani, the site has drawn attention after images circulated widely online.

Officials held discussions on Tuesday with private landowners and specialists to set conservation rules while exploring eco-tourism options. Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamronwit Toopkrachang, President of the Pathum Thani PAO, joined Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul to present the initial management proposals.

How the Island Took Shape Over Decades

Preliminary reviews indicate the island formed inside an abandoned soil excavation pit that sat unused for more than fifty years. Aquatic plants and vegetation gathered into a floating mass that wind and shoreline friction gradually molded into a near-perfect circle.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul first spotted the feature during an aerial drone survey two years ago. He chose to share the discovery only recently, worried that landowners might change the site to reduce vacant land tax obligations and erase the natural formation.

Scientific Review Confirms Natural Process

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jessada Dendoungboripant from the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University examined historical satellite imagery through Google Earth. Images from 2004 show the location as a large pond covered with aquatic vegetation and water hyacinths.

The floating plants changed shape over time before settling into the current circular outline. The analysis supports the conclusion that wind currents and local conditions created the structure, with no indication of any other cause.

Private Ownership and Planned Cooperation

The land belongs to a corporate entity. The Pathum Thani PAO has stated it stands ready to collaborate with the owners to keep the island in its natural state and assess options for a public park, including a possible observation tower.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamronwit Toopkrachang noted that successful development could position the site as a notable attraction for Pathum Thani, placing it alongside the province's existing landmarks in public awareness.

Public Access Remains Restricted

The Pathum Thani PAO has asked residents and visitors to stay out of the area while talks on conservation and future use continue. The restriction protects the existing ecosystem and allows time to plan safe public entry if development proceeds.

Interest in the Eye of Thailand grew after photographs highlighted its similarity to El Ojo, a comparable circular island in Argentina. Local authorities now focus on balancing preservation with measured opportunities for visitors from Thailand and the wider region.