Bangkok: 'Jaset' orders urgent solution for Samui's water supply! He orders water to be pumped under the sea and artificial rain to replenish water reserves, ensuring every household has access to water. The Deputy Minister of Interior has instructed the Provincial Waterworks Authority to urgently alleviate water supply problems in affected areas on Koh Samui and to plan for long-term water security.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jetseth Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of Interior (M.3), revealed that after receiving a report on the water supply situation in Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province, since July 27, 2026, he urgently instructed Mr. Chakpong Khamchan, Governor of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA), to mobilize resources and integrate all relevant agencies to quickly implement measures to resolve the problem and closely monitor the situation to ensure that the public has sufficient tap water and that the impact is minimized.
Mr. Jetset explained that the Provincial Waterworks Authority identified a prolonged drought as the cause of insufficient raw water sources for producing tap water on Koh Samui. This has resulted in a 40% reduction in tap water production capacity compared to normal levels, affecting water supply in some areas, particularly in higher elevations. It is necessary to manage the water distribution system by adjusting water zones and distribution times to ensure efficient water distribution and alleviate the hardship for the public as much as possible.
The Deputy Minister of Interior stated that he has instructed the PWA to urgently implement solutions in all aspects. This includes increasing water production capacity in the affected areas, along with transporting water from the PWA Surat Thani branch to support water production on Koh Samui at a rate of 16,000 cubic meters per day. Additionally, the PWA will increase water transmission capacity through the underwater pipeline system by approximately 4,000 cubic meters per day to ensure continuous water production and supply to the public. The PWA is also instructed to expedite repairs to damaged Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment systems, closely monitor raw water sources and available water resources, and adjust water distribution plans to suit the situation, so that affected residents can have access to water for consumption as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, Mr. Jetset stated that he has coordinated with the Royal Rainmaking Department to closely monitor weather conditions and assess the potential of cloud formations in order to immediately carry out artificial rainmaking when conditions are suitable. This will help increase water reserves in reservoirs and raw water sources for tap water production, mitigate the impact of drought, and enhance water security for Koh Samui during this crisis. At the same time, he has instructed the PWA to report the situation and progress in resolving the problem daily, and to prepare contingency measures if the situation persists. He also emphasized the importance of continuously communicating water supply information to the public so that they can plan their water usage appropriately and minimize the impact on their daily lives.
'I received the report yesterday and instructed the PWA to take immediate action because the water issue cannot wait. We must use every measure available, including increasing production capacity, transporting water from Surat Thani, increasing water delivery through the underwater pipeline system, urgently repairing damaged water production systems, and managing water resources as efficiently as possible. We are also coordinating with the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to prepare for immediate cloud seeding operations to increase water reserves when weather conditions permit. I have instructed all agencies to report the situation daily until it is resolved and the public has access to water normally again,' Mr. Jetset said.
Mr. Jetset added that Koh Samui is an international economic and tourist destination. A stable and sufficient water supply system is crucial for the quality of life of its residents, tourist confidence, and the business operations of entrepreneurs. Therefore, he has instructed the PWA to develop a long-term water security plan. This includes enhancing raw water sources, developing water production systems, improving water distribution efficiency, and upgrading water infrastructure to support Koh Samui's future growth. 'This solution must not only alleviate the immediate situation but also lay the foundation for a stable and sustainable water management system. This will ensure Koh Samui has access to clean, high-quality, and sufficient water for residents, tourists, and businesses at all times. The Ministry of Interior will closely monitor this matter and proceed with full action until the situation returns to normal, while also establishing systems to prevent such problems from recurring in the future,' Mr. Jetset said.