The first public consultation in Phuket will be held at The Pago Hotel in Ratsada from 9am to 12pm on Monday, Oct 20.
According to a public notice announcing the Oct 20 public hearing, the project, initiated under a Cabinet resolution dated April 9, 2024, aims to address chronic water shortages across the Andaman provinces, particularly during the dry season.
Most Phuket residents already understand that the project has been on the drawing board for decades, and now is yet again back in the “planning stage”.
Under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the initiative seeks to expand the water distribution system by drawing from Ratchaprapha Dam and connecting to existing supply networks, said the public notice.
The Department of Groundwater Resources and the Provincial Waterworks Authority reportedly “first studied options in 2014” ‒ but the project “is now being revised to reflect updated demand forecasts and development needs across Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi”.
According to project organisers, the objectives include:
- Reviewing and updating technical and environmental studies on diverting water from Ratchaprapha Dam for use in the three provinces.
- Ensuring supply stability by building new pumping stations and transmission pipelines, alongside existing infrastructure, to distribute water to Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
- Strengthening long-term water security to support residents, tourism and business growth.
Preliminary assessments note potential impacts such as “land use changes” along pipeline routes and temporary construction disturbances.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more, provide feedback and ask questions directly to the project team.