Pattaya officials provide free water to drought-hit Koh Larn island

Residents of Koh Larn breathed a sigh of relief as the Governor of Chon Buri, and city officials made their way to the island on May 7, bearing the gift of water. Thailand’s ongoing dry season had left the locals parched, thereby leading to this much-needed intervention that saw the distribution of 100,000 litres of free water.

This act of generosity touched more than 50 households on the island. With each receiving approximately 2,000 litres of water, the residents could resume their daily activities without undue concern over water scarcity.

The gesture was timely, considering the locals’ prior complaints about the soaring price of water, which had nearly quadrupled from 300 baht to a staggering 1,200 baht due to high demand.

As Pattaya saw its first decent spot of rain yesterday, Chon Buri Governor Thawatchai Srithong insists that this intervention is not a one-time act of kindness, confirming that Pattaya City would be supplying an additional 150,000 litres of water to the locals, reported Pattaya News.

This assurance was welcomed by the locals, who look forward to a future where clean water is not a luxury but a basic right. The city’s concerted efforts to address this issue, coupled with their swift action, have undoubtedly left a positive impact on the residents of Koh Larn.

However, while these immediate solutions significantly alleviate the island residents’ plight, they are essentially temporary fixes to a deeper issue, with the expectation of more rainfall being the only imminent solution.

In light of the ongoing dry season, this event serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues of water scarcity and climate change.

The situation in Koh Larn mirrors the struggles of numerous communities worldwide, who are grappling with similar challenges. As the residents of Koh Larn continue their daily lives, the promise of a more sustainable future hangs in the balance.