july/2025

Thailand’s Water Crisis: The Harsh Reality of Drought and Its Nationwide Impact.

Thailand, a nation celebrated for its lush landscapes, agricultural richness, and vibrant culture, is increasingly grappling with one of its most formidable challenges—drought. Historically blessed with abundant rainfall and flowing rivers, Thailand now faces the grim reality of water scarcity that threatens its very foundation. Drought is no longer a rare occurrence but a recurring crisis that disrupts lives, damages the economy, and depletes natural resources. As climate change accelerates, the situation worsens, demanding urgent national and regional action.

This article explores the causes, consequences, and solutions to Thailand’s water crisis. From the farmlands of Isan to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, drought’s impact is far-reaching and complex. Our deep dive into this growing environmental emergency reveals the interconnectedness of natural and human systems and the pressing need for sustainable solutions.

1. Causes of Drought in Thailand

1.1 Climate Change and Shifting Weather Patterns

Climate change is a major driver of the increasing drought severity in Thailand. Rising global temperatures have altered rainfall patterns, leading to irregular monsoons and extended dry seasons. The monsoon, once predictable, now arrives late or ends prematurely, disrupting farming schedules and water storage plans.

Thailand is particularly vulnerable to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. During El Niño years, sea surface temperatures rise in the Pacific Ocean, reducing rainfall over Southeast Asia. In Thailand, this means severe water shortages, especially in the already arid northeastern region. The 2015-2016 El Niño event, for example, caused widespread drought affecting over 20 provinces.

Increased heat also accelerates evapotranspiration, the process by which water is lost from the soil and plants into the atmosphere. As a result, reservoirs dry up quickly, and the land becomes parched.

1.2 Deforestation and Environmental Degradation

Thailand’s forests act as natural sponges, absorbing rain and releasing it slowly into rivers and underground aquifers. Unfortunately, rapid deforestation—driven by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanization—has undermined this ecological buffer. Between 1960 and 2020, Thailand lost over 50% of its forest cover. In the north, mountains once thick with trees are now scarred by roads and farms, reducing water retention and increasing surface runoff. Deforested areas dry out quickly during hot weather, exacerbating drought conditions.

Soil degradation is another consequence. When land is stripped of vegetation, topsoil is easily eroded, reducing the soil’s ability to store water and nutrients.

1.3 Unsustainable Water Management

Thailand’s water infrastructure struggles with inefficiency and mismanagement. Many irrigation canals are old, poorly maintained, or leak substantial amounts of water. Despite billions invested in dams and reservoirs, water distribution remains uneven and heavily politicized. Groundwater over-extraction is another problem, particularly in central Thailand, where many farmers rely on underground sources for irrigation. As the water table drops, wells dry up, and land subsidence becomes a concern, especially around Bangkok.
In addition, there is often poor coordination among agencies managing water. Competing interests between agriculture, industry, and urban areas lead to inefficient allocation during droughts.

1.4 Agricultural Practices and Water-Intensive Crops

Thailand's agriculture is heavily dependent on water-intensive crops, particularly rice and sugarcane. These crops, which dominate Thai fields, require large volumes of water and are mostly grown using traditional flood irrigation methods.
Moreover, farmers often plant multiple rice crops per year, placing unsustainable pressure on water resources. The lack of drought-resistant varieties and modern farming techniques exacerbates vulnerability.
In contrast, countries like Israel or Australia have pioneered efficient irrigation and farming technologies, highlighting the gap in Thailand’s agricultural adaptation strategies.

2. Effects of Drought on Thailand

2.1 Agricultural Devastation and Farmer Hardships

Drought hits agriculture first and hardest. Thailand is the world’s second-largest exporter of rice, and the backbone of this success is smallholder farmers. During droughts, paddy fields crack, crops fail, and incomes vanish.
In 2019, drought affected over 1.3 million hectares of farmland, reducing rice production by nearly 40% in some provinces. With less water, farmers cannot grow crops or are forced to reduce acreage, affecting both local food supplies and export revenue.
Debt among farmers spikes during these times. Many borrow to buy seed and fertilizer but cannot repay loans due to crop failure. This cycle of debt leads to social and psychological stress, sometimes resulting in suicides and family displacement.

2.2 Urban Water Shortages and Infrastructure Strain

While rural areas face agricultural losses, cities struggle with urban water stress. Bangkok, a city of over 10 million, relies heavily on upstream dams for its water supply. In drought years, reservoir levels drop drastically, forcing authorities to implement water rationing. Reports from 2020 noted that water levels in the Chao Phraya River fell so low that seawater began intruding upstream, contaminating drinking water supplies. Coastal communities are particularly affected as saltwater intrusion ruins crops and freshwater ecosystems. Industrial zones in provinces like Rayong and Chonburi also face production losses when water becomes scarce. These regions, vital to Thailand’s export economy, house electronics and automotive plants that rely on stable water supply.

2.3 Economic Consequences and GDP Reduction

Drought affects Thailand’s economy at multiple levels. The agricultural sector, though contributing around 8-10% of GDP, employs over 30% of the workforce. When farmers suffer, rural economies contract, reducing spending and increasing migration to urban slums. The reduction in rice and sugarcane exports affects Thailand’s trade balance. Lower output also increases domestic food prices, hitting consumers with higher grocery bills.
Tourism, another pillar of the economy, is indirectly affected. Regions like Chiang Mai and Udon Thani, known for eco-tourism, lose appeal during dry seasons when rivers dry up and forests burn.

According to the Office of Agricultural Economics, the 2015 drought alone caused over 10 billion baht (around $300 million) in direct agricultural damage. Indirect losses were likely much higher.

2.4 Environmental Degradation and Biodiversity Loss

Dry conditions spark forest fires, particularly in the north. These fires release huge quantities of PM2.5 particulate matter, making cities like Chiang Mai and Lampang some of the world’s most polluted during peak dry months. Respiratory illness rates soar as a result.
Key river systems like the Mekong and Chao Phraya are severely affected. Low water levels disrupt fish breeding, agricultural irrigation, and boat transportation. Wetlands dry up, displacing birds and aquatic life.
Soil erosion follows drought, particularly on deforested hillsides. Without vegetation, the soil becomes compacted and less fertile, creating a vicious cycle of land degradation.

2.5 Social and Public Health Impacts

The social impact of drought is profound. Lack of water leads to heatwaves, dehydration, and heat stroke—especially among the elderly and outdoor workers. Medical clinics in rural provinces report a rise in skin diseases, urinary tract infections, and stress-related conditions during prolonged droughts.
Dust pollution increases in arid conditions, especially when topsoil is dry. Airborne particles aggravate asthma and bronchitis.
Water scarcity also leads to domestic disputes in communities competing over limited supplies. Migration to cities increases, adding pressure to urban housing, sanitation, and job markets.

3. Government and Community Responses

3.1 Emergency and Short-Term Measures

Thailand’s response to drought has traditionally focused on emergency measures:
● Cloud seeding operations are carried out by the Royal Rainmaking Department.
Though results are mixed, they provide temporary relief.
● Water rationing is introduced in major cities, limiting household and industrial usage.
● Emergency aid packages, including financial compensation and debt relief, are extended to affected farmers. However, critics argue that these are reactive and not sustainable solutions.

3.2 Medium to Long-Term Strategies

In recent years, there has been a push toward more sustainable water management:
● Smart irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler irrigation, are being promoted.
These systems significantly reduce water waste compared to traditional flood irrigation.
● Research institutions are developing drought-tolerant rice strains such as “Hom Pathum Thani,” which matures quickly and requires less water.
● Reforestation programs have gained traction, particularly in the north and northeast. Community-led tree planting initiatives have shown promising results in restoring local ecosystems.
Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy (2018–2037) outlines sustainable water use and climate resilience as national priorities, although implementation remains uneven.

3.3 Legal and Institutional Reforms

Water law reform has also been debated. Thailand has several overlapping agencies managing water, leading to confusion and inefficiency. A unified Water Resources Act, passed in 2018, aims to streamline regulation, set limits on groundwater use, and prioritize domestic and ecological water needs over industrial use during droughts.
Public education campaigns are also increasing awareness about water-saving behavior among citizens and farmers alike.

4. Preventing Future Droughts: Roadmap for Resilience

4.1 Climate Adaptation and Technology Use

To build resilience, Thailand must harness science and technology:
● Early warning systems using satellite data and AI can predict droughts months in advance, giving farmers time to prepare.
● Rainwater harvesting and floodwater diversion systems can store water in underground tanks or ponds for later use.
Investment in desalination plants and recycling wastewater in urban areas can also reduce freshwater dependency.

4.2 Agricultural Reforms and Incentives

The government must incentivize crop diversification away from water-heavy crops. Maize, pulses, and oilseeds use less water and often fetch better prices on the market. Soil conservation techniques, including mulching and cover crops, improve moisture retention and fertility. Agricultural extension workers should be trained to assist farmers in adopting these methods.

Community-based water user groups should be empowered to manage local resources collaboratively.

4.3 Regional and International Cooperation

Thailand must work with its neighbors to manage shared resources:
● The Mekong River Commission provides a platform for joint planning and information-sharing among Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
● Water-sharing treaties and dam coordination can prevent upstream projects from draining water supplies during dry months.
Thailand can also learn from other drought-prone countries like Australia, which has implemented water trading and market-based conservation incentives.

Thailand’s water crisis is not a distant threat—it is a present-day reality affecting millions. The interplay of climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable farming, and poor governance has created a perfect storm. Drought is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience; it is a structural challenge that risks eroding Thailand’s agricultural heritage, economic stability, and public well-being.

Yet there is hope. With coordinated efforts—spanning government, civil society, and international partners—Thailand can build a more water-secure future. Investment in technology, education, policy reform, and environmental restoration will be key to this transformation. The road is long, but the journey must begin now—for the sake of Thailand’s people, its ecosystems, and future generations.