The ongoing drought in central provinces, such as Chonburi and the Pattaya region, is raising concerns, as reported by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). According to their findings, the Eastern Economic Corridor, spanning three provinces, experienced a 60 percent reduction in rainfall compared to normal levels in 2023. However, current reservoir levels indicate that there is still 52 percent of total capacity available.
Despite the presence of El Niño, there is optimism that the current dry season will transition into rainfall by mid-May. Veeris Ammarapala, the governor of IEAT, assured that there is no immediate crisis thanks to additional water sources for the region’s 6,000 factories. These sources include reservoir transfers, procurement of raw water from companies, and wastewater treatment facilities to recycle resources.
Mr. Veeris stated, “Authorities are confident that there will be sufficient water supply for factories, agriculture, and public consumption until the rainy season, expected between May and June.” While there is no imminent threat of water rationing for hotels and residences in Pattaya, there is anticipation for the approaching rains. The Pattaya water authority confirmed that significant water rationing has not occurred since an unusually prolonged dry spell in 2008.
