PHUKET, THAILAND – A local member of parliament warned that Phuket could face a dramatic water emergency in the coming months, urging the government to release funds and emergency equipment before the island’s busy season began.
MP sounds alarm over worsening shortages
Chalermpong Sangdee, the Phuket MP, told parliament the island’s water situation “got worse every year” and that many households were already forced to buy expensive private water supplies that often proved insufficient. “There is water shortage every year, many households must buy costly private water — and even that is often not enough,” he said.
He said hotels, restaurants and entire neighbourhoods were sometimes left without water for days, a problem that could intensify as tourist numbers rise.
Tourism strain on limited resources
Phuket, with roughly 2 million residents and more than 10 million visitors annually, is straining its water infrastructure. The island’s three main reservoirs and privately run sources no longer meet demand, the MP said. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) had been forced to lower pressure and rotate supplies between districts as an emergency measure, a step that has drawn mounting public criticism.
Popular resort areas including Patong, Kamala, Karon, Rawai, Chalong, Wichit and Ratsada have reported persistent shortages, according to Chalermpong. He warned that if supplies were not shored up, the situation would deteriorate further during the imminent high season.
Long-term solution years away
A major planned intervention, the Phang Nga–Phuket water project, has been approved and funded but remains in the procurement phase. Officials have said completion is unlikely for at least three years, leaving the island dependent on short-term measures in the interim.
Short-term options such as mobile filtration units and purchasing water from mining operations were described by the MP as “a drop in the ocean.” In some districts, like Ratsada, water distribution collapsed during power outages because backup generators were not available.
“We have applied for funds for emergency generators, but we have not had an answer yet,” Chalermpong said, highlighting gaps in preparedness.
Coordination failures and wasted spending
The MP levelled sharp criticism at the coordination among authorities, citing instances where newly resurfaced roads were dug up weeks later for pipe repairs. “That destroys public trust and wastes taxpayers’ money,” he said.
He also noted a central government plan to hire private firms to detect leaks and carry out repairs has stalled in its second year, further delaying corrective action.
Call for immediate funding ahead of peak season
Chalermpong urged Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to release emergency funds immediately to buy generators and strengthen water infrastructure before tourist arrivals peak.
“Is there a clear long-term water management plan for Phuket? And when will the urgently needed funds finally be provided?” he asked in parliament. His questions were echoed by other lawmakers concerned that without quick action the island could suffer a severe dry spell at a time when millions of visitors are expected.
Authorities have acknowledged the pressure on supplies but say large-scale solutions will take time. In the meantime, local officials continue to rely on rotating supply schedules and emergency measures to keep water flowing.
If the funding and equipment Chalermpong requested are not released soon, residents and businesses face the prospect of recurring outages during what is normally Phuket’s most profitable season.