Deputy Interior Minister Jesad Thaises urgently ordered the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to mobilize all units to quickly resolve the tap water shortage on Koh Samui by increasing production capacity and transporting water from Surat Thani, while also planning for long-term water security.
On 28 July 2026, Jesad Thaises, Deputy Minister of Interior (MoI3), revealed that after receiving reports on the tap water situation on Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province, since 27 July 2026, he immediately directed Mr. Jakrapong Kamjan, Governor of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA), to mobilize all resources and coordinate all relevant agencies to implement comprehensive corrective measures and closely monitor the situation, ensuring sufficient tap water supply with minimal impact to residents.
Jesad stated that according to PWA reports, the situation stems from a prolonged dry spell causing insufficient raw water sources used for tap water production on Koh Samui. This led to about a 40% drop in production capacity from normal levels, affecting water distribution in some areas, especially higher elevations. Therefore, water distribution zones and schedules have been adjusted for more efficient water allocation to alleviate residents’ hardships as much as possible.
The Deputy Interior Minister said he has urged PWA to take urgent, multi-dimensional actions by increasing local water production while transporting 16,000 cubic meters daily from the Surat Thani branch to support Koh Samui. Additionally, water delivery through undersea pipelines will increase by about 4,000 cubic meters daily to ensure continuous production and supply. Repairs to damaged Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) water treatment systems are underway, raw water and source management are closely monitored, and water distribution plans are adjusted to match the situation so affected residents can regain access to water for consumption as soon as possible.
Furthermore, Jesad said he has coordinated with the Royal Rainmaking Department to prepare for artificial rain operations over Koh Samui and surrounding catchment areas if weather conditions permit. He also instructed PWA to report daily on the situation and progress, prepare contingency measures if the crisis prolongs, and continuously communicate water distribution updates to residents so they can plan water use appropriately, reducing daily life disruptions and maintaining confidence among business and tourism sectors.
Jesad stated that although the situation affects water supply in some areas, the Ministry of Interior and PWA will fully mobilize all resources to maintain continuous water production and distribution overall, and expedite relief efforts so residents can return to normal living conditions as soon as possible.
“I received reports yesterday and immediately ordered PWA to take action because water issues cannot wait. We must use every available measure, including increasing production capacity, transporting water from Surat Thani, boosting water delivery through undersea pipelines, repairing damaged water treatment systems, and managing water efficiently. We have also coordinated with the Royal Rainmaking Department and the Department of Agricultural Aviation to prepare for artificial rain operations to replenish water sources as soon as weather allows. I have instructed all agencies to report the situation daily until it stabilizes and residents have normal water access again,” Jesad said.
Jesad added that Koh Samui is an economic zone and an international tourist destination where a stable and sufficient tap water system is crucial for residents’ quality of life, tourist confidence, and business operations. Therefore, he has assigned PWA to develop a long-term water security plan that includes enhancing raw water sources, improving water production systems, increasing delivery efficiency, and upgrading water infrastructure to support Koh Samui’s future growth.
“This solution must not only address the immediate crisis but also establish a stable and sustainable water management system so Koh Samui will have clean, quality, and sufficient tap water for residents, tourists, and businesses under all conditions. The Ministry of Interior will closely monitor this issue and fully advance problem-solving until the situation returns to normal while setting up systems to prevent recurrence in the future,” Jesad concluded.
