water

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok aims to reduce plastic use with more water refill stations

    To combat plastic pollution, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Bottle Free Seas project has proven to be a roaring success, with plans now underway to expand its reach by installing an additional 200 drinking water refill points across the city. Launched last August, this eco-initiative has already made a significant dent in plastic bottle consumption, slashing the usage of a…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket’s reservoirs promise adequate water supply until rains

    Phuket‘s three primary reservoirs are sufficiently water-filled to ensure the island’s inhabitants have enough water until the annual rains due next month, confirmed Krirksak Leenanon, the Chief of Phuket Irrigation Office. Currently, Bang Wad Reservoir, located in Kathu, holds 2.12 million cubic metres of water, indicating it is 20% full. Meanwhile, Bang Neow Dum Reservoir, situated in Srisoonthorn, is 45%…

  • Phuket News

    Krabi’s Phi Phi islands tackle severe freshwater shortage

    The Phi Phi Islands, a prominent tourist attraction in Krabi, are grappling with a severe shortage of freshwater. The local authorities are exploring potential solutions, with two options under consideration – a pipeline bringing water from the mainland or the production of freshwater from the sea, according to the Ao Nang Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor). Phankham Kittitorakul, President of Ao…

  • Thailand News

    Phi Phi Islands tackle critical water shortage

    Krabi’s renowned Phi Phi Islands are currently wrestling with a critical freshwater shortage. The local governing body, Ao Nang’s Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO), is considering two primary solutions: establishing a pipeline for water provision from the mainland or resorting to seawater desalination. Over the last few years, the absence of tap water during the tourist high season, coinciding with the…

  • 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

    Thai government alert over Mekong River sulphuric acid spill from Laos

    Thailand’s government is on high alert following a sulphuric acid spill in the Mekong River on the Lao border. The contamination, which took place in Laos’s Luang Prabang town, occurred when a lorry carrying over 30 tonnes of the acid toppled over, causing the hazardous substance to leak into the Nam Khan River, which flows into the Mekong. Residents in…

  • Thailand News

    Water crisis hits Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui, tap water rationed

    On Koh Pha Ngan, a water crisis since late March has led to a stringent rationing of tap water which affected both locals and tourists. The rationing, operating on a rotational basis, leaves some areas parched on certain days while others savour the flow. A meagre 3,500m3 to 4,000m3 of water trickles through the pipes daily, barely meeting the island’s…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket mayor guarantees drought-proof supply for dry season

    The Phuket Town mayor confirmed that the Phuket City Municipality has a sufficient water supply to sustain residents throughout the remainder of the dry season. However, he is encouraging residents to be mindful of their water consumption. Currently, the municipality’s water reserves are 80% full, according to Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas. This supply is anticipated to be ample for producing tap…

  • Cannabis

    Some awesome watering techniques for your cannabis

    Growing cannabis in Thailand’s tropical climate presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to watering your plants. The temptation to overwater is real, given the country’s intense humidity and rainfall. However, mastering the art of watering is crucial for your cannabis plants to thrive. Understanding the seasonal changes and their impact on your cannabis is key. From the cooler winter…

  • Thailand News

    Nakhon Ratchasima tackles water scarcity amid El Niño

    The province of Nakhon Ratchasima is facing a water management challenge due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which has led to a critical decrease in water levels across 27 reservoirs. These water sources now contain less than half of their capacity, prompting local authorities to adopt stringent water management strategies. In contrast, the Huai Chorakhe reservoir, almost…

  • Thailand News

    Phuket’s Kamala Beach faces murky waters as main canal turns black

    Kamala Beach in Phuket found itself in a murky situation, the main canal has turned black and is producing an unpleasant smell. Visitors to the beach, some international tourists, watched in dismay as the polluted water flowed freely into the sea. The sight of the blackened water has led to numerous headshakes and raised eyebrows. A particularly concerned tourist even questioned…

  • Thailand News

    Kanchanaburi to benefit from 12 billion baht water diversion project

    Kanchanaburi’s five districts are set to benefit from a water diversion tunnel project that aims to alleviate drought problems. The project, which is valued at 12 billion baht (US$335,746,080), seeks to transfer 378 million cubic metres of water from the Srinagarind Dam, the largest dam in the western region, to an area of 200,000 rai in the Huay Krachao, Lao…

  • Thailand News

    Fresh water supply solution for Pattaya’s Koh Larn

    In a bid to tackle the parched plight of Koh Larn amidst soaring tourist numbers, Pattaya is eyeing a collaboration with a new water supplier to bolster freshwater production. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai revealed plans for a potential alliance with a novel water supply venture, projecting a surge in production capacity to a substantial 1,000 cubic metres per day, catering…

  • Thailand News

    Controversy over new water tunnel network plan in Kanchanaburi’s wildlife sanctuary

    The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) have come under scrutiny for their plan to build a new water tunnel network in the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. The project, designed to combat summer droughts, has sparked concerns among local conservationists due to its potential impact on the local ecosystem. The RID justifies…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket residents urged to conserve water amid dry season

    A water conservation plea has been issued to Phuket residents by Udomphon Kan, the Director of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), in an attempt to prevent shortages amid the ongoing dry season. Udomphon Kan, while confident about the current water reserves, voiced his concerns about the diminishing water levels in the island’s…

  • Phuket News

    Making waves: Phuket water projects dive deep into billion-baht territory

    The Phuket Provincial Water Resources Subcommittee delved into water projects exceeding 1 billion baht yesterday and made quite a splash. The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall and chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksombun, saw a flood of attendees from various government agencies. The discussion navigated through the island’s rainfall patterns, water levels in its three main reservoirs, water…

  • Thailand News

    Sea blooms: Underwater magic in Trang Sea as marine Sakura wows tourists

    The underwater world of Koh Waen in the Trang Sea has become an awe-inspiring spectacle, drawing tourists to its depths for a glimpse of the marine Sakura blossoms, a phenomenon so unique it’s likened to witnessing cherry blossoms beneath the waves. It’s here that adventurers and romantics alike converge, as the area hosted the world’s first underwater wedding ceremony, cementing its…

  • 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…

  • Thailand News

    ONWR invests 390 billion in water supply management in 2025

    Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin revealed after chairing a meeting of the National Water Resources Committee that the meeting approved a water resource action plan for fiscal year 2025. More than 50,000 items from 24 agencies, eight ministries, 76 provinces, and more than 2,000 local government organisations from Bangkok and Pattaya, were discussed. An amount of 392,510 million baht is expected…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok free water refill plan to reduce plastic use

    Central Pattana, alongside influential partners, spearheads the Bottle Free Seas campaign, urging Bangkokians to swap the bottle for reusable options. With a staggering 70 million plastic bottles drowning Bangkok monthly, the initiative aims to flood the city with free water dispensers, starting with the iconic Central World shopping mall. The campaign, a collaborative effort between Central Pattana, the Bangkok Metropolitan…

  • Thailand News

    EEC water miracle: Government’s plan ensures businesses swim through summer

    The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) can breathe a sigh of relief as the government swoops in to address concerns over looming water shortages, promising a well-hydrated future until the summer of next year. The EEC, a flagship special economic zone spanning Rayong, Chon Buri, and Chachoengsao, faced imminent water crises, raising alarms within the community. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin…

  • Thailand News

    Health department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)

    The Department of Health has ordered an immediate halt to production at a bottled water factory in Roi Et province. The decision was made following the release of a shocking video showing water being manually filled into bottles. The factory, which is a licensed water production facility, was inspected and found to be non-compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.…

  • Thailand News

    Water management advancements: Irrigation department propels development

    The Irrigation Department is pushing forward with the development of the Lower Huai Luang Basin and the Huai Pue Dam project to enhance water management capabilities and mitigate drought and flooding. Sunthorn Kamsee Mueang, director of the Office of Large Irrigation Construction Office No. 5, along with Irrigation Department officials and the media, visited the project site in Phon Pisai…

  • Thailand News

    Lam Chae reservoir: Halting off-season rice cultivation for water relief

    The water crisis at Lam Chae reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima has eased, with local authorities rushing to reserve water for the upcoming dry season. They have ceased water release and urged local farmers to halt off-season rice cultivation due to the reservoir’s water level being just half of its capacity. Lam Chae reservoir in Khro Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima, is…

  • Phuket News

    Thai-MECC rescues Phang Nga student from perilous waters

    A dramatic rescue operation unfolded yesterday in the swift waters between Phuket and mainland Thailand. A student from Phang Nga, who was seen jumping off the Sarasin Bridge, was rescued by a local fishing boat and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (THAI-MECC). The THAI-MECC, stationed at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command in Cape Panwa, received word of…

  • China News

    Chinese plumber discovers giant salamander in residential water pipe

    In an unexpected turn of events, a Chinese plumber Phichit based in Guangdong‘s Huizhou city, encountered a large creature, a 40 centimetre salamander, while attending a routine service call. The plumber’s discovery within a residential water pipe has since baffled and amused online communities. The incident unfolded as Xue Hui was called to a customer’s residence to fix a water…

  • Phuket News

    Water supply timeout: Phuket residents set for thirst quenching pause

    Residents in Phuket’s Bang Jo area are bracing themselves for a disruption in their water supply. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) of Phuket declared a temporary halt in the water supply from the evening of November 9 to the early hours of November 10. The shut-off is a result of repair work that needs to be carried out in the…

  • Thailand News

    Thai government official’s GPS gamble ends in tragic spillway plunge in East Thailand

    A government official tragically lost his life when the car he was driving plunged into a water spillway following directions from his GPS. The incident occurred around 7am this morning, in the vicinity of Ban Ko Rang, Nong Waeng district, Sa Kaeo province. The vehicle, a bronze Toyota with registration number TH-824, was found overturned in the water spillway. Residents…

  • Thailand News

    Princess Maha’s urgent call for improved water management in Asia-Pacific

    Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific, has stressed the urgency of combating water scarcity and improving water management systems throughout the region. The Princess voiced her concerns during the Asia-Pacific World Food Day Observances at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Asia-Pacific headquarters in Bangkok. Her Majesty pointed out that approximately 2.5 billion…

  • Thailand News

    Reservoir overflow in Thailand: Alert for potential downstream flooding

    A recent alert has been issued by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) on the sudden rise of water levels in nine significant reservoirs. The ONWR revealed that these reservoirs are brimming with excess water that needs to be discharged swiftly. The reservoir overflow could potentially impact downstream areas in the coming days. The ONWR has been vigilantly…

  • Thailand News

    JSCCIB for water: Thai committee floats idea to dip into digital wallet funds for H2O solutions

    The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) proposed that the Thai government allocate a portion of its 560 billion baht digital wallet scheme budget towards supporting water management plans. The committee argues that Thailand needs immediate and long-term solutions to deal with flooding and drought, which is forecasted to affect the agricultural sector due to El Niño-induced…

  • 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,…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket hotels collaborate with ONWR to tackle water crisis and boost sustainable tourism

    Facing a critical water shortage, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) devised a strategy to collaborate with Phuket hotels, launching an initiative to decrease water utilisation in the tourism industry. Surasee Kittimonthon, the ONWR secretary-general, highlighted the escalating water crisis in the popular Thai resort island, marked by inadequate water supply and treatment issues. With the tourist count…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket makes waves: Forum tackles island’s watery woes

    Thailand’s popular island destination of Phuket held a forum to discuss the region’s persistent water issues, led by Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (OWNR), Dr Surasee Kittimonthon. The forum, which took place yesterday, was attended by over 300 individuals, including Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan and Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Kongsak Khuphongsakorn. Dr Surasee later joined another…

  • Thailand News

    Phuket water management: ONWR takes action on shortages, flooding, and wastewater

    Phuket’s enduring issues of water shortages, flooding and inadequate wastewater management are set to be addressed by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). Surasri Kidtimonton, the secretary-general of ONWR, recently visited the province to track the progress of the water management plan and forest preservation initiatives around Kathu district’s natural water resources. Although Phuket stands as a crucial…

  • Phuket News

    Water outage: Phuket homes brace for supply disruption

    A significant water supply outage is set to disrupt homes and businesses situated on Chao Fa East Road in Chalong and in the Cape Panwa area in Phuket. This announcement made by the Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) outlines the outage scheduled for tomorrow. The disruption, stretching from the Thai Watsadu Chalong branch to Soi Palai, is…

  • 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…