Thai news presenter sparks concern by drinking tap water on air (video)

A political debate concerning the potability of tap water in Bangkok sparked significant public attention. Renowned news presenter Sorayuth Suthassanachinda decided to test this claim himself by drinking a glass of tap water, leading to an array of reactions from concerned viewers.

Sorayuth, a popular figure in Thai media, addressed the issue of drinkable tap water during his programme กรรมกรข่าว คุยนอกจอ (“Kamagon Kui Nork Jor”) highlighting the political controversy between the People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party regarding the policy’s origins. This debate coincided with the local elections for the mayor of Udon Thani, intensifying the political discourse.

During the programme, Sorayuth requested his team to fill two glasses with tap water to demonstrate his belief in the safety of the city’s water supply. As his co-presenter, Bright Phichayatan, reached for a glass, Sorayuth humorously intervened, expressing his wish to avoid any unforeseen circumstances that might prevent her from reading the news the following day.

In a show of confidence, Sorayuth consumed the entire glass of tap water, assuring viewers that he detected no chlorine taste.

“I believe in this country.”

The news presenter also jokingly acknowledged a slight stomach discomfort, leaving viewers in suspense about whether this was merely psychological.

Photo courtesy of KhaoSodThe broadcast prompted a flurry of comments from viewers, many of whom expressed their concerns and jested about the potential consequences.

“Who will read the news tomorrow?”

“The last episode of ‘Khui Nork Jor.'”

Despite the humour and light-hearted comments from viewers, the underlying concern remains significant.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the political parties involved will address the public’s concerns and whether Sorayuth’s stomach discomfort was indeed a mere coincidence or a testament to the quality of Bangkok’s tap water, reported KhaoSod.

In Thailand, tap water is generally not considered safe to drink directly. While the water treatment facilities in urban areas like Bangkok may meet certain safety standards, contamination can occur in the pipelines that transport water to homes

In related news, in a high-stakes bid to protect Koh Larn from future water shortages, a team from Pattaya City inspected the ambitious Haad Samae Beach reservoir renovation on Sunday, September 22.