Thailand's Top Resort Destination "Tourism Revenue All Spent on Water Costs" in Distress

Severe Drought Amid El Ni?o During Dry Season
"No Rain, but Tourists Flock Causing Water Shortage"

Thailand's representative tourist destinations have found themselves in a difficult situation due to the influx of tourists. The severe climate change has caused a water shortage crisis, leading to soaring operating costs for resorts.

The British daily newspaper The Guardian reported on June 3 (local time) about the drought situation in the Koh Samui area, a Thai resort. Sudam Samdong, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui, told residents, "With no rain for several months and an increase in tourists, the water supply is under pressure," urging citizens to "use water sparingly."

Deputy Mayor Samdong explained, "We are drawing water from other regions and private reservoirs to supply the citizens," adding, "With these measures, we can endure for about two more months, and we expect rain afterward."

Thailand tourist destination Ko Samui Island
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also added, "The provincial government is doing its best to resolve the situation. We hope the central government will not declare Koh Samui a disaster area."

Koh Samui is a representative tourist attraction featuring beautiful white sandy beaches, temples, and luxury resorts. Every year, from March to May, the dry season sometimes causes water shortages, but this year the drought is particularly severe.

This crisis is reportedly due to the 'El Ni?o' phenomenon, which causes unstable climate and rising overall temperatures as sea surface temperatures in the Pacific region increase.

The water shortage is also damaging the tourism industry, which is a major source of income for Koh Samui. Yudarat, who runs a massage parlor in northern Koh Samui, told The Guardian that "tap water only comes out 2 to 3 days a week," describing the serious local situation.

He said, "Currently, due to the lack of water, we buy water from trucks to drink and store water in personal tanks and small reservoirs," adding, "Massage shops and accommodation facilities are all struggling."

Ratchaporn Phulsawadi, a member of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, also told the media, "We spend the money earned from tourism on buying water," lamenting, "Not only is water expensive, but the supply itself is insufficient."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.