Water Pollution In Thailand: A Critical Concern

Thailand is facing a water crisis, with water scarcity expected to hit the country hard by 2025. Population growth, an increasing number of tourists, and inadequate drainage systems have resulted in the pollution of surface water sources, causing a deterioration in water quality. In 2019, data showed that only 40.8% of water available to households was suitable for consumption, while 15.5% was contaminated with chemicals above the recommended limit. The main sources of water pollution are the agricultural and industrial sectors, with residential areas also contributing. The Thai government has made some progress in pollution management and improving water quality, but water pollution remains a significant issue threatening the health and well-being of the Thai people.

Water scarcity and drought

Thailand is facing a water crisis, with water scarcity and drought being significant issues. The country has experienced several severe droughts in recent years, including in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020, with the drought of 2015-2016 being the worst in 20 years. These droughts have been caused by irregular rainfall, with shorter-than-normal monsoon seasons and below-average annual rainfall. The Central Plains region, which includes the city of Bangkok, is particularly vulnerable to water scarcity as it has no large water reservoirs of its own and relies on dams in the northern region for water supply.

The impact of these droughts on Thailand's agriculture-dependent economy has been significant. Thailand is the world's largest rice exporter, and the agricultural sector accounts for 70% of the nation's total water supply. Droughts have affected rice production and other crops such as maize, sugarcane, and tapioca, leading to economic losses. In 2019, the drought was estimated to cause losses of US$312 million in lost crops. The 2015-2016 drought resulted in losses exceeding US$2.5 billion.

In addition to drought, Thailand also faces challenges with water scarcity due to increasing population, urbanization, agricultural and industrial expansion, and changing climate patterns. The growing population, currently at over 68 million, and the increasing number of tourists have put a strain on water resources, with total water demand reaching about 100 billion cubic meters in 2021. Inadequate drainage systems have also led to the deterioration of surface water quality. According to data from 2019, only 40.8% of water available to households was appropriate for consumption, while 43.7% needed further treatment, and 15.5% was contaminated by chemicals.

To address water scarcity and drought, Thailand needs to implement effective water management strategies. This includes dealing with flood and drought problems, improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, especially for poorer and less-educated households, and promoting sustainable water use practices. The country must develop a long-term plan to manage these challenges and ensure water security for its growing population.

Poor water quality

Thailand is facing a water crisis, with water scarcity expected to hit the country hard by 2025. Population growth, an increasing number of tourists, and inadequate drainage systems have resulted in the pollution of surface water sources, causing a deterioration in water quality. The quality of surface water varies across the country's four regions, with water in the Northern, Central, and Southern regions being of the poorest quality.

The main source of water pollution in Thailand is the agricultural sector, with industrial sectors being the second-highest distributor of polluted water. Farmers' use of pesticides leaves residue on plants and the soil surface, which is then washed into rivers during rainfall, causing water pollution. In 2016, 39 million cubic meters of wastewater was dumped per day into various river basins, with industrial sectors contributing 17.8 million cubic meters per day. Residential areas also play a role, adding 9.6 million cubic meters of polluted water per day.

The pollution of water sources has severe health implications for the Thai people. Approximately 43 million Thai people drink contaminated water, exposing themselves to diseases like diarrhea, typhoid, and dysentery. Water bottle companies have stepped in to meet the demand for clean drinking water, filtering water through processes like reverse osmosis to remove contaminants. However, this has also led to an increase in plastic waste, with plastic bottles contributing to the pollution of water sources.

While Thailand has made some progress in pollution management, the country still faces significant challenges. The government is working on implementing effective water management strategies to address the issues of flooding and drought, which are also impacting water quality. The country is also developing a Draft Masterplan on Toilet and Waste Management to improve sanitation and waste management practices.

Health risks

Water pollution in Thailand is a critical issue that poses significant health risks to millions of people. The country's water resources have diminished over the years due to disappearing wetlands, corroding watersheds, and pollution. The climate in Thailand, which was not always erratic, now experiences intense flooding during the wet season and droughts during the dry season. These irregular flood and drought patterns could continue to pose a threat to Thailand's future in terms of water scarcity and quality.

The quality of water available remains a challenge, with only 40.8% of water available to households being appropriate for consumption, according to the Ministry of Public Health's Report on Drinking Water Quality from 2009-2019. The report also showed that 43.7% of household water needed further treatment before consumption, and 15.5% was contaminated by chemicals above the recommended limit.

Population growth, economic and agricultural expansion, and industrial activities have led to an increase in water pollution and a deterioration of water quality. The main sources of pollution are domestic sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural waste. Improper water drainage from households, tourist attractions, and agricultural areas also contribute to the problem. As a result, an estimated 43 million Thai people are drinking contaminated water, which can lead to various health problems.

The health risks associated with water pollution in Thailand include waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, dysentery, and leptospirosis. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in contaminated water. In addition, skin diseases and other ailments can also occur due to water pollution. The spread of these diseases creates a severe public health concern, and understanding their prevention is crucial to ensuring the well-being of the population.

While the Thai government is working to reduce water pollution and improve sustainable natural resource management, more long-term measures and systemic changes are needed to address the root causes of the problem effectively. Individual efforts, such as rainwater storage and the use of water purifiers or bottled water, can provide temporary solutions. However, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all Thai citizens requires sustainable solutions and collaboration between the government, civil society, and other stakeholders.

Agricultural and industrial wastewater

Thailand is facing a water crisis, with water scarcity expected to hit the country hard by 2025. The country's water shortage results from an imbalance between available water supply and increasing water demand. The agricultural sector takes up 70% of the nation's total water supply, and Thailand is the world's largest rice exporter. However, farmers have expanded farming outside of irrigated zones, and many do not conserve water or plan crop production efficiently.

Agricultural activities contribute significantly to water pollution in Thailand. Pesticide use leaves residue on plants and the soil surface, which is then washed into rivers during rainfall, causing water pollution. Agricultural runoff pollutants, including sewage, are also polluting groundwater sources.

Industrial activities are another major source of water pollution in Thailand. Untreated industrial wastewater and solid hazardous wastes have increased in the country's surface water bodies. The northern, central, and southern regions of Thailand, in particular, have surface water of the poorest quality.

To address water scarcity and pollution issues, Thailand is implementing a 20-year, long-term integrated water resource management plan. This plan includes the development and increased efficiency of municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems, as well as wastewater reclamation. There are also significant opportunities for wastewater reuse in the agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors.

Plastic waste

Thailand is facing a water crisis, with water scarcity expected to hit the country hard by 2025. The country is experiencing both flooding and drought, with irregular rainfall causing long periods of drought and heavy rainfall in other regions. The Central Plain, for example, has no large water reservoirs and must rely on dams in the country's lower northern region for water. This has led to a decrease in the amount of water flowing into the dams, impacting rice production.

Water pollution is a significant issue in Thailand, with one-third of surface water sources being of poor quality. Population growth, an increasing number of tourists, and inadequate drainage systems have resulted in surface water sources of poorer quality. Untreated domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, and solid hazardous wastes have increased in surface water bodies, and agricultural runoff, aquaculture, and sewage are polluting groundwater sources.

To address the issue of plastic waste, the Government of Thailand released the Roadmap for Plastic Waste Management 2018-2030 and is developing the National Action Plan on Marine Plastic Debris. The plan aims to alleviate the current impacts and avert future damage caused by marine plastic debris. It includes goals to reduce mismanaged plastic waste generation and improve waste collection and disposal practices in both urban and rural areas. For instance, installing trash racks in urban drainage systems and irrigation canals in rural areas to intercept plastic waste before it enters waterways.

Frequently asked questions