drought

  • Thailand News

    Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding chaos

    Koh Samui is reeling from an acute water shortage as its reservoirs are drying up amid a prolonged drought. On the neighbouring island of Phuket, residents are battling heavy rainfall and flooding. Koh Samui’s main reservoir, with a capacity of 800,000 cubic metres, is down to a mere 10%, enough to last just two weeks. The Krajood reservoir fares slightly…

  • Thailand News

    Heavy drought leaves Lamphun houseboats stranded

    Heavy drought has struck the famous freshwater Kaeng Kor Lake in Lamphun, causing a significant drop in water levels and leaving houseboats stranded on land. Tourism services have been temporarily halted until conditions improve. Operators of houseboat services at Kaeng Kor Lake, located in Mae Ping National Park, Li District, Lamphun province, announced the suspension of their boating and restaurant…

  • Thailand News

    Nakhon Ratchasima faces water shortage as rainy season begins

    Nakhon Ratchasima faces a severe water shortage crisis just as the skies open for Thailand’s rainy season, with water reserves for the province’s water supply at a critical 34%. Lam Chae Dam, one of the key reservoirs, currently reports no new water inflows. Farmers in the area downstream of Lam Chae Dam, one of the four main dams in Nakhon…

  • Thailand News

    Severe drought in Nakhon Ratchasima threatens rice farmers

    Nakhon Ratchasima faces a severe drought crisis, with newly sown rice fields wilting due to prolonged dry spells. The irrigation department is urgently pumping water to prevent damage to over 1,000 rai of rice seedlings. The significant drought is particularly felt in the Phimai district. The water allocation officials from the Thung Samrit Irrigation Project, Phimai district, have accelerated efforts…

  • Thailand News

    Nakhon Ratchasima tackles severe drought with a strategic plan

    Facing one of the severest droughts in five years, officials in Nakhon Ratchasima implemented a crucial water allocation plan to ensure sufficient supply for the province’s inhabitants. The strategy aims to distribute 141 million cubic metres of water to sustain the lives of over 600,000 residents across six districts. Officials confirm that there will be enough water for consumption and…

  • Pattaya News

    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…

  • Thailand News

    Severe water shortage threatens Phi Phi Island businesses in Krabi

    For more than two months residents of Phi Phi Island have been grappling with an intense water shortage, which has brought some business operations on the brink of temporary closure if the situation persists. Although Phi Phi Island is no stranger to water shortages, having experienced similar situations during peak tourist seasons in the past years, this occasion may affect…

  • Thailand News

    Severe drought hits Uthai Thani, farms and buffalos at risk

    Thailand’s Uthai Thani province is grappling with its most severe drought in decades, with temperatures soaring between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius and a prolonged absence of rain. The drought has reached a critical point, affecting several districts and causing a widespread scarcity of water for both consumption and agricultural use. The situation has escalated to the point where it…

  • Thailand News

    Drought dries up Buriram: 300 Thai households forced to buy water

    The protracted drought in Thailand has precipitated a water crisis in Mueang district, Buriram, compelling approximately 300 households across three villages to resort to purchasing water. The scarcity of water is attributed to the drying up of the area’s groundwater, which these villages heavily depend on, given that they are not linked to the local water pipelines. The impacted villages…

  • Thailand News

    Emergency water distribution in Hua Hin amidst drought concerns

    To combat the severe drought gripping Hua Hin, Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul spearheaded a meeting with local government officials to discuss immediate relief and long-term fixes for the parched populace, especially in Khao Takiap. Joined by Deputy Mayor Atichat Chaisri and a cadre of civic bigwigs, the summit centred on the dwindling water levels at the Hua Na reservoir. These plummeting…

  • Thailand News

    Khao Yai’s Haew Narok Waterfall dries amid Thailand drought

    Khao Yai National Park‘s iconic Haew Narok Waterfall has run dry due to prolonged drought conditions, leaving tourists with alternative picturesque natural viewpoints to enjoy. Amid rising concerns from visitors about the state of the park’s waterfalls, the head of Khao Yai National Park, Chaiya Huai Hong Thong, confirmed the impact of the dry season on the water flow. Chaiya…

  • Business News

    Sweet sorrow: Thailand’s sugarcane harvest takes a hit

    A significant reduction in Thailand’s sugarcane yield in the 2023–24 crop year has been reported by the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB). This decrease in production is attributed to severe drought conditions and is expected to have an impact on the worldwide sugar supply. Thailand is the second-largest exporter of sugar globally, following Brazil. Therefore, any decrease…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket reservoirs assure sufficient water supply until annual rains

    Phuket’s main reservoirs, namely Bang Wad Reservoir, Bang Neow Dum Reservoir, and Klong Kata Reservoir, currently hold sufficient water supplies to service residents and tourist accommodations until the anticipated annual rains arrive next month, according to Phuket officials. This assurance comes from the head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket), Sophon Thongsai, following his inspection of…

  • Thailand News

    Huai Yang Waterfall National Park to close from April 1

    The Huai Yang Waterfall National Park in Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan province is set to lock its gates to tourists from April 1 onwards. Somjet Chantana, Director of the Administration Office for Conservation Area 3 (Phetchaburi Branch), stated that the decision was reached after extensive discussions with Rakpong Boonyoi, the Head of Huai Yang Waterfall National Park. The closure,…

  • Thailand News

    Water shortages strike two districts in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    Prachuap Khiri Khan is hit by water shortages as two districts plunge into a state of emergency due to an unprecedented drought crisis. With acute water shortages ravaging communities, authorities issue a desperate plea for aid and conservation efforts. Acting Deputy Governor Kittiphong Sukhapakul officially declared drought disaster zones in two districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Monday. This decisive…

  • Thailand News

    Phimai farmers hit by early drought, Mun River runs dry

    Farmers in the district of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, are facing a severe drought that has swiftly dried up the Mun River. On the auspicious day of Makha Bucha, traditionally a time of potential earnings for lotus farmers, the parched riverbeds have left many without income or water for their daily needs. The situation, recorded today, underscores the urgency of…

  • Thailand News

    Severe drought crisis looms in Nakhon Ratchasima with water reservoirs depleting

    Nakhon Ratchasima province faces a severe drought crisis, with medium-sized water reservoirs at worrying levels, holding less than half their capacity. A halt on off-season rice farming has been ordered and urgent discussions are underway to secure water reserves throughout this year’s dry season. The Nakhon Ratchasima Irrigation Project’s water allocation division today reported on the water situation in the…

  • Business News

    Impending drought poses significant threat to Thai export sector

    The Thai economy braces for another challenge as impending drought threatens its critical export sector, following last month’s extensive flooding. Despite an improvement in exports in August, marking a recovery from an 11 month decline, the impending drought could significantly impact food manufacturing and shipments. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) highlighted concerns over the potential repercussions of water shortages…

  • Thailand News

    El Niño could trigger three-year rice shortage, warns Thailand’s Commerce Minister

    Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed worries over a potential three-year-long impact of the El Niño-induced drought. This prolonged effect could potentially harm rice production and create a shortage in domestic consumption. Phumtham commissioned the Internal Trade Department and Foreign Trade Department to jointly monitor and alleviate the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon and the ensuing drought. He voiced…

  • Thailand News

    Thai ministry’s water woes: Bueng Boraphet faces aquatic crisis with levels plummeting tenfold

    The Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment yesterday investigated the water situation at Bueng Boraphet, revealing that the water level is ten times lower than the previous year, creating a water crisis that could impact the ecosystem. The secretary, Jatuporn Burusphat, ordered continuous water replenishment from today. Accompanied by Pichit Sombatmak, Deputy Secretary, and other concerned officials,…

  • Thailand News

    El Nino triggers drought risk for 16.5 million rai of Thai agricultural land

    Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry confirmed yesterday that an estimated 16.5 million rai of agricultural land nationwide will be impacted by reduced rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon this year. The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Apai Sutthisang, expressed concern over the impending dry season, particularly as the effects of El Nino are predicted to intensify in November. The Royal Irrigation…

  • Thailand News

    Water shortages: Thai govt mulls halting Central Plains rice farming amid anticipated drought

    In a bid to counteract the effects of a potential drought, the central government of Thailand is contemplating the suspension of rice cultivation in the Central Plains region. This proposal comes alongside the potential establishment of a command centre to combat reduced rainfall and water shortages. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) initiated this conversation, citing apprehensions about…

  • Events

    Full Moon Party faces Buddha Days, water shortages this month

    Local party and event organisers have scrambled to host the infamous Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Pha Ngan this week while facing a number of setbacks. The country is seeing a surge in tourism due to the super-extended six-day holiday weekend, but that brings a downside for the partygoers on the island. Normally the week of…

  • Thailand News

    El Nino: Thailand combats dry spell with robust water management for EEC

    As Thailand grapples with the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) assures unwavering water supply for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Despite the current weather conditions likely to persist from October to April of next year, the RID is poised to mitigate the impacts with diligent water management. Prapit Chanma, the director-general of the RID, assured yesterday…

  • Thailand Weather Updates

    El Nino drought: Thailand braces for potential impact, agencies prepare

    The National Water Resources Office of Thailand (ONWR), the country’s central agency for water resource management, warns of a potential drought due to the influence of a “mild” El Nino weather phenomenon. In a recently held meeting, the ONWR pressed associated agencies to prepare for a likely dry spell. The meeting held yesterday brought together representatives from various domains, including…

  • Business News

    Drought hits Thailand’s cassava yield, imports to fill shortfall predicted

    A projected decrease in Thailand’s yield of cassava and its by-products from 11 million tonnes last year to an estimated 9 million tonnes this year has been attributed to drought conditions. This situation is further compounded by more farmers opting for sugar cane cultivation instead. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, revealed that despite the drought-induced shortfall in…

  • Business News

    Economic slowdown, drought risk to hinder Thai economy in H2

    The prospect of a domestic economic slowdown in the latter half of the year has been raised due to multiple factors, including potential drought, political uncertainties, and a slow global economy, according to the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai). EconThai’s vice-chairman, Tanit Sorat, highlighted that the global economy is predicted to experience growth of less than 2.1%…

  • Thailand News

    Dry spell dilemma: Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast

    Thai researchers are currently raising the alarm as they predict a potential drought crisis in the coming years, due to the El Nino weather pattern causing lower than average rainfall. Consequently, proactive measures and comprehensive water management plans are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of the impending water scarcity. A conference discussing climate change, water resource management, and strategies…

  • Central Thailand News

    Drought hits Singburi: Turbo-charged pump aids fish, supports local agriculture

    As drought continues in Thailand’s central Singburi province the a temple’s fish pond is experiencing a severe reduction in water levels, causing a shortage of oxygen for the fish. Consequently, the Pak Than Sub-district Administration Organisation (SAO) has urgently installed a turbo-charged pump to transfer water from a nearby canal into the pond, simultaneously supporting the aquatic life and allowing locals…

  • Thailand Weather Updates

    Heat and drought expected to impact Thailand

    Heat and drought are expected to impact Thailand soon. The end of the summer season is predicted to arrive by the middle of month, but Thailand is expected to face the harsh impact of the El Niño phenomenon around the middle of June. This will lead to severe drought conditions, according to the Meteorological Department (MD), Bangkok Post reports. The…