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Water crisis in Phuket: Solutions conference on the future of water supply!
Opening of feasibility studies on water production in Phuket: important project for sustainable water supply and regional development.
Water crisis in Phuket: Solutions conference on the future of water supply!
An important orientation meeting was held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Hotel Wang Tai in Surat Thani to address the feasibility of water production and distribution from Ratchaprapha Dam to the Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi regions. Led by Witthasak Jamroen Nussit, Deputy Governor of Surat Thani, the project's objective was clearly outlined: to produce a comprehensive feasibility study report to advance a public-private investment project. Banmuang reports about the initiative, which is based on a 2019 law on public-private partnerships.
The date on October 22nd was not just a formal event, but a first step towards improving water supplies in the affected regions. The demand for water is increasing, especially in times of climate change, and therefore it is crucial to expand the infrastructure in a timely manner. Already on April 9, 2024, the government gave the order to review water production plans and develop a modern water pipeline system to support investments and the tourism sector.
Public hearing on drinking water supply
Just a few days earlier, on October 21, the Phuket Municipality held a public hearing in the Grand Ballroom of the Pearl Phuket Hotel. Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas and numerous administrative staff took part to inform citizens about a project to cooperate with the private sector in the area of drinking water production. The aim was to collect opinions and concerns from the population relating to drinking water quality and the need to improve water pipes. Loud Phuket Price reports, that the city administration plans to increase production capacity from the current 31,000 cubic meters per day to around 40,000 cubic meters per day.
Production systems such as Soi Phanieng, Damrong Street and Chaloem Phra Kiat Park already draw water from the Bang Wad reservoir, which supplies around four million cubic meters per year. Citizens expressed concerns that the existing infrastructure could not cope with increasing demands and wanted water quality to improve.
Challenges in water resources management
Global water demand is growing, and not only Phuket, but many regions around the world are facing the challenge of meeting water needs sustainably. Rising temperatures and changing weather conditions caused by climate change make it urgent to establish integrated water resource management. It is important to reconcile the needs of the various user groups such as agriculture, industry and tourism as well as the social and ecological requirements. This applies not only locally, but also in transboundary watersheds, where cooperation is often characterized by both conflict and opportunity. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlights the importance of sustainable management of water resources.
Through initiatives such as the Orientation Meeting and the Public Hearing in Phuket, the authorities are showing a good hand in dealing with the region's water issues. However, it remains to be seen whether the concerns expressed by the population will be taken seriously and implemented in a timely manner. One thing is certain: the water sector is one of the key challenges that needs to be overcome in the context of regional development.