PATHUM THANI — 9 June 2026, The Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) is pushing forward plans to develop the “Eye of Thailand,” a circular floating island located in a wetland in Pathum Thani, into the province’s newest landmark. Discussions are underway with private landowners and experts to establish conservation guidelines and explore its potential as a future eco-tourism destination.
On Tuesday, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamronwit Toopkrachang, President of the Pathum Thani PAO, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul jointly outlined proposed management plans for the site. Interest in the location has surged after images of the Eye of Thailand went viral online due to its resemblance to “El Ojo,” a near-perfect circular floating island in Argentina.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prinya said he first identified the island during an aerial drone survey two years ago but only recently decided to publicise its existence. He said he was concerned that, if left unprotected, the area could be altered by landowners seeking to avoid vacant land tax obligations, potentially leading to the loss of the unique natural feature.
Preliminary assessments suggest the island formed naturally within an abandoned soil excavation pit that has remained unused for more than 50 years. Over time, aquatic plants and vegetation accumulated into a floating mass that was gradually shaped by wind and shoreline friction, eventually forming a circular structure resembling an eye.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamronwit said that although the land remains privately owned by a corporate entity, the PAO is prepared to work with the owners to preserve its natural condition and study the feasibility of developing the area into a public park, including the possible construction of an observation tower for visitors.
“If this area can be developed, it could become a wonder of the world located in Pathum Thani,” he said. “We hope that in the future, when people think of Pathum Thani, they will think of the Eye of Thailand alongside the province’s other distinctive features.”
The growing interest in the site has also prompted scientific scrutiny. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jessada Dendoungboripant, a lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, analysed historical satellite imagery using Google Earth and found that the location was previously a large pond covered with aquatic vegetation and water hyacinths.
Satellite images dating back to 2004 show the floating vegetation continuously changing shape before gradually developing its distinctive circular appearance. The findings support the theory that the formation resulted from the natural movement of aquatic plants driven by wind currents and environmental conditions, rather than any unexplained phenomenon.
The Pathum Thani PAO has urged the public not to enter the area, as it remains private property and is currently under review as part of ongoing discussions on conservation and development. Officials said the restriction is intended to protect the ecosystem and ensure any future public access can be managed safely.