Pathum thani: The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization), or GISTDA, has successfully unlocked the secrets behind the natural phenomenon known as "Thailand's Eye" in Pathum Thani province. This phenomenon, previously shrouded in mystery, has been identified as a "rotating floating aquatic weed island."According to Thai News Agency, GISTDA employed a "Point Cloud elevation map" created through the integration of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to unravel the mystery. LiDAR is particularly effective in penetrating thick foliage to reveal hidden structures beneath, offering detailed measurements of "height" and "distance" with centimeter-level precision. This technology was crucial in the wetlands of Pathum Thani, where typical aerial photographs usually show only a blended green forest due to dense weeds and trees.The LiDAR technology emitted laser beams to the Earth's surface, capturing reflections to provid e precise measurements, which revealed clear signs of separation in the area. This led to a field survey using drones conducted on June 8, 2026. The survey unveiled that the area, spanning over 100 meters, is actually a "rotating floating island." This formation occurs due to the accumulation of weeds and soil from the shore, which float on the water's surface. As the weeds grow and compact, along with the influence of wind currents, the island gradually "rotates around itself." These continuous rotations and interactions with the shoreline create a natural machine-like effect, sculpting the island and water into a "nearly perfect circle."The discovery of the "Eyes of Thailand" phenomenon underscores the significant role of space and geospatial technology in understanding natural occurrences. These technologies serve as crucial "eyes," enabling humans to perceive and comprehend the hidden aspects of nature, revealing landforms invisible to the naked eye. The phenomenon shows that such natural events occur i n a perfectly natural manner, further highlighting the value of technological advancements in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.
