The order came at Phuket Provincial Hall on Tuesday (Apr 9) during a video conference meeting with Dr Surasri Kidtimonton, Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Water Resources (ONWR), who chaired the meeting from the ONWR headquarters in Bangkok.
Joining Governor Sophon for the meeting were Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon; Sophon Thongsai, Head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket); and Suthiphong Suwandechakul. Assistant Manager of Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA).
The need for a water-management plan for the coming wet season and the dry season next year was described as “urgently needed to solve the problem”.
“The problem is readiness, uniqueness and desire to request budget support,” said an official report of the meeting.
The Phuket Provincial Office is to receive the plans by Apr 17, so the plans can be submitted to the ONWR by the end of the month.
The sudden urgency comes as the ONWR reports that the Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu is currently only 24% full.
The Klong Kata reservoir in Chalong is 34% full, but the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn still remains 52% full.
Not mentioned in the official report were any concerns about Phuket hosting many more tourists next year. The current goal is for Thailand to welcome 36 million tourists in 2024, generating some B3.5 trillion in tourism revenue.
During the ‘Ignite Tourism Thailand’ policy launch last week by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Tourism and Sports Minister Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said, “In 2025, Thailand’s tourism is set to experience growth on an unprecedented scale.”
The national tourism policy aims to make Thailand a global aviation hub, handling more than 150 million air travellers annually by 2030.