Krabi faces 12-day blackout from August 20-31

KRABI: Hotel business operators in Krabi are preparing for blackouts scheduled from August 20-31 due to a halt in the gas supply used to generate electricity by the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Authority (JDA-A18). The interruption in supply is said to be due to annual maintenance.

Business operators are checking the readiness of their own generators in order to combat the blackouts.

“Even though the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has announced that they have reserved power for that period, we still have to be prepared,” said Ekwit Pinyotham, owner of the Peace Laguna Resort and Spa in Ao Nang, who has kept his 250-kilowatt spare generator ready in case of a blackout.

“We believe that the blackouts are likely to occur during this time – we face them quite often, even on normal days,” he added.

Hotel operators are also arranging more outdoor activities to encourage guests to stay out of their rooms in case of power cuts.

“We have more than 150 rooms and three conference rooms. Even though we have our own generator, it may not be enough to provide power to all the rooms,” said Mr Ekwit. “I have also encouraged staff members to conserve power and take steps that are more energy efficient.”

“We are replacing all lights with LEDs, as they consume 20 per cent less power. Additionally, we have had to raise the temperature in the lobby by adjusting the air conditioning to 25 degrees,” he added.

“We want this 12-day maintenance period to have minimal impact on our businesses, as well as on tourism.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong