Thailand’s Koh Samui Island faces water shortage as tourism booms

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Koh Samui, a renowned tourist destination off Thailand’s east coast, is suffering from a severe water shortage.

Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that the island, famous for its white sandy beaches, picturesque temples and luxury resorts, does not become a “disaster zone”, as per a report.

Many water reserves, including the Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs and Hin Lard waterfall, have seen a visible dip in their water levels, which has further deepened the freshwater crisis.

According to local estimations, there is barely enough water for the next 30 days. The taps in resorts at the holiday destination are also running out of water, further leading to the loss of visitors to the island.

Sutham Samthong, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui, has urged the public to use the resources judiciously as a lack of rainfall and tourism boom is aggravating the crisis.

He claims that with proper management, the island’s freshwater supply will survive for the next two months, after which rains are predicted.

Mr Samthong told a newspaper that they are not complacent. They are trying to solve the situation.

They don’t want the provincial or upper (administration) to announce that Koh Samui is a disaster zone.

There are also fears that the island would face even more severe shortages in the coming months as a result of the El Nino phenomenon, which is connected with warmer conditions and less rain.

Jutharath, an employee at a massage centre in Bo Phut, said that taps had water only once or twice a week for the last three months.

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