Thailand Faces Water Crisis Amid Climate Change

Strategic Insights -

Thailand is facing a severe water crisis due to fluctuating rainfall patterns attributed to climate change, experts warned at a public forum titled "Water and Climate Alert: Rain Monitor for 2025 Storm Forecast". The Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) has predicted a 4-9% decline in rainfall across the country during August and September, which could lead to droughts and water shortages. The situation is exacerbated by the shift from La Nina to either neutral (La Nada) or El Nino conditions, expected to affect Thailand's water availability well into next year. Authorities are being urged to accelerate work on irrigation systems and large-scale water diversion plans to mitigate the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) has predicted a 4-9% decline in rainfall across Thailand during August and September, which could lead to droughts and water shortages.
  • Thailand is projected to face a water shortage of over 4,450 million cubic metres by 2026, with national water reserves falling short of the 12,000 million cubic metres needed to sustain critical demand.
  • The HII is urging authorities to speed up work on irrigation systems and large-scale water diversion plans to redirect floodwaters into storage pools and high-demand agricultural zones.
  • The next four weeks are crucial, as accumulated rainfall could trigger more flash floods while simultaneously masking the onset of longer-term water scarcity.
  • The ThaiWater application, used in conjunction with HII's four-times-daily forecasts, is providing 48-hour alerts at the sub-district level to help monitor water levels and prevent flash floods.
  • Heavy rainfall is expected across the western coast of southern Thailand from November to December, while eastern provinces will see typical monsoonal patterns.
  • The HII is working closely with public and private partners to enhance forecasting accuracy using drone technology and advanced monitoring tools.

Statistics:

  • Rainfall is expected to decline by 4-9% during August and September.
  • Thailand is projected to face a water shortage of over 4,450 million cubic metres by 2026.
  • National water reserves fall short of the 12,000 million cubic metres needed to sustain critical demand.
  • The HII is providing four-times-daily forecasts to monitor water levels.
  • The ThaiWater application is providing 48-hour alerts at the sub-district level.
  • Heavy rainfall is expected to persist across the western coast of southern Thailand until December.

Sources:

  • Royboon Rassamethes, HII director, quoted in the report.
  • Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII).
  • Thailand Water and Climate Alert: Rain Monitor for 2025 Storm Forecast.