Phuket: 3 billion baht for pipeline to solve water issues and boost tourism

Phuket officials announced plans to yet again request a budget exceeding 3 billion baht for the construction of a water supply pipeline from Phang Nga to Phuket, aiming to resolve ongoing water issues and bolster tourism in the region.

The budget request confirmation emerged during a meeting led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall. The meeting highlighted the potential impact of the current El Niño phase on Phuket’s weather conditions throughout the next year.

According to a recent report, the island’s three primary reservoirs hold approximately 19.7 million cubic metres of water, which equates to 91.5% of the total combined capacity of 21.53 million cubic metres. This water reserve will be crucial during the dry season, particularly between December and May, to meet the water needs of both local inhabitants and tourists.

The Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is continuing its traditional strategies to fortify water supply, including a recent project to enhance and expand the PWA’s Phang-Nga – Phuket branch. The projected total budget request stands at 4,673,970 baht, aiming to augment water production capacity.

The precise budget required for the Phang-Nga – Phuket pipeline has not been specified yet. However, the 4.6 billion baht budget will be requested in the current fiscal year, as noted in an official report.

Governor Sophon has emphasised the importance of effective water management to all government agencies, ensuring sufficient water to cater to residents and tourists alike. He insisted on immediate actions to resolve short-term water shortage issues, such as pumping water from public sources and purchasing water from private mines.

Proposed solution

A medium-term solution proposed by the governor involved the submission of the budget for the Phang Nga – Phuket pipeline in this fiscal year as a government subsidy-type funding. He assured that the project could be implemented promptly once the budget allocation is secured.

Additionally, officials were asked to explore the possibility of a raw water pipeline from Ratchaprapha Dam in Surat Thani to aid Phuket’s long-term water supply needs. The governor mentioned that completed studies have been taken into account to establish project guidelines, which have been presented to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for project support.

The subcommittee has approved 69 projects requiring 1.218 billion baht in budget funds for Fiscal Year 2025. However, 21 projects needing 460.89 million baht were not approved due to their unpreparedness for operation and inconsistency with the 20-year water resources management master plan, reported Phuket News.

The revival of the Phang Nga – Phuket pipeline project comes amid a push to boost the number of tourists visiting Phuket. Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism & Sports show that Phuket welcomed over 10 million foreign tourists in 2019, during which the island’s water reserves ran dangerously low.

The upcoming visa-exemption measures for Chinese and Kazakhstani nationals are expected to drive tourist arrivals in the following months. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced visa-free entry for tourists from India and Taiwan from November 10 onwards, aiming to attract more visitors as the high season approaches.

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