Global Courant
A lack of rainfall and an increase in demand have led to a water crisis on the Thai holiday island of Koh Samui.
Water levels in many bodies of water around the island would have dropped drastically, affecting the amount of fresh water available to produce clean water.
According to a report in the Bangkok Post, the island would have enough local fresh water supplies for residents for less than 30 days.
The situation has prompted Sutham Samthong, a deputy mayor of Koh Samui, to urge the public to use supplies sparingly.
He said water is being brought in from other areas and private reservoirs.
Mr Sutham said careful management of resources would enable the island to navigate the next two months, after which it expects rain.
Koh Samui is known for its white sand beaches, temples and luxury resorts.
During the dry season between March and May, it often suffers from a lack of fresh water.
However, there are concerns that the weather phenomenon El Niño, which is accompanied by less rain, could cause even greater shortages this year.
The current shortage has already affected the daily lives of the local population.
Residents have reported irregular tap water flows, forcing them to pay between 250 baht (about S$10) and 300 baht to buy about 2,000 liters of water for daily use, according to the Bangkok Post.
The scarcity also affects the region’s tourism industry, which has recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Koh Samui Tourism Association president Ratchaporn Poonsawat said the number of rooms available on the island, including hotels and villas, has fallen to just 5,000 during the pandemic. That figure has since risen to 25,000, which is the same level as in 2019.
As a result, problems such as water and waste management also reappear.
