Thailand’s Koh Samui Faces Severe Water Crisis With Tourist Overflow, Fears Disaster Zone Label

by Vaishalee Kalvankar
Thailand’s Koh Samui Faces Severe Water Crisis With Tourist Overflow, Fears Disaster Zone Label

Thailand’s beautiful island, Koh Samui, is one of the most visited places in the south Asian country. It is home to some of the most incredible and iconic temples, too. But being a tourist’s favourite spot is not always the best thing; it has its own cons too. Thailand’s Koh Samui is facing a severe water crisis amidst a huge overflow of tourists and no rainfall. The local officials fear that the island might get labelled as a ‘disaster zone’. 

Thailand’s Koh Samui Faces Severe Water Crisis

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Credits: Canva

The combination of a huge inflow of tourists and no rainfall has led to a water crisis on Thailand’s Koh Samui. 

According to local reports, the water levels of various Koh Samui water reserves, including the Hin Lad waterfall and the Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs, have decreased, making the freshwater problem worse.

Local estimates indicate that the water supply is barely enough for the upcoming 30 days. The popular tourist destination is experiencing a decline in visitors as a result of the island’s water crisis.

Taps in resorts on the island are apparently beginning to run dry, although authorities are reportedly trying to address the problem. 

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Actively Trying To Seek Solution

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Credits: Canva

Koh Samui’s deputy mayor, Sutham Samthong, has advised locals and visitors to conserve water. He claimed that with proper management, the island’s freshwater supply may survive for the next two months, after which he predicted rain.

He claimed that they are actively seeking a solution and have not become complacent. They do not want Koh Samui to be declared a disaster area by the provincial or higher authority. 

Ratchaporn Poonsawat, the chair of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, claims that the situation may compel resort owners and neighbourhood businesses to purchase freshwater, raising costs.

There are also worries that the island may see even more severe shortages in the coming months as a result of the El Nino weather phenomenon, which is linked to less rain. In the previous five months, Koh Samui Island received at least one million visitors. 

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