In Koh Samui, the drought has reduced water reserves to a critical level, depriving many residents and businesses of running water for weeks.
On the island of Koh Samui, the water crisis has reached an emergency point. As of 27 July 2026, the local branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority has only around 16,000 cubic metres per day from the pipeline from the mainland. However, average demand stands at 34,000 cubic metres daily.
The reserves do not even cover half of the island’s needs:
A resident issued a heartfelt appeal on social media to alert the authorities:
“The drought is truly very severe. Running water has stopped flowing in many areas, some for over a month already. Residents are trying to manage by buying fresh water from tanker lorries, but even these companies are now running short of water to sell. Stocks built up in advance are no longer sufficient given the length of the crisis. Daily life and businesses on the island are being severely affected. Please help raise this issue for urgent assistance with water bags or official tankers.”
Testimonies are pouring in. In Lamai, some neighbourhoods have been without mains water for more than a week. In Chaweng, three-day cut-offs have been reported. Other residents claim not to have washed for several days. Even Koh Samui airport has been without running water for three months! Water tank shops are reporting record sales, to the point that calls are growing to prevent abusive price rises.
The desalination plant at Pru Krajood (Lipa Noi) is being modernised after several years of interruption, while the pipeline from the mainland remains insufficient to meet demand. Tanker lorries are operating around the clock to supply hotels and private homes. On the hillsides, new building permits continue to be issued. Overbuilding and mass tourism have turned a seasonal shortage into a structural crisis.
Calls are mounting for the authorities to speed up emergency aid and supply projects. For now, the residents and entrepreneurs of Koh Samui continue to manage on their own, under mounting pressure.
local sources