(Bangkok, 28th) – The Thai Hydrological Information Institute predicts that nationwide rainfall in Thailand will decrease by 4% to 9% in August and September. Experts warn that this could trigger a sudden drought in the second half of this year, potentially leading to a water supply crisis.
Experts also state that extreme weather has greatly increased the intensity and unpredictability of natural disasters, and Thailand will face challenges such as flash floods and water shortages in the future, with a drought crisis possible in 2026.
Experts also state that extreme weather has greatly increased the intensity and unpredictability of natural disasters, and Thailand will face challenges such as flash floods and water shortages in the future, with a drought crisis possible in 2026.
The Bangkok Post reported on Sunday (July 27) that experts from the Thai Hydrological Information Institute pointed out at a public forum last week that Thailand is expected to suffer sudden droughts due to reduced rainfall in the second half of this year, particularly affecting the southern and inland provinces, putting the country at risk of a water supply crisis.
Institute Director Rewen said that although some regions in Thailand, especially the north, have seen heavy rainfall and flooding this month, authorities are more concerned about whether rapidly declining water levels will lead to insufficient water storage.
He believes the next four weeks are critical, as accumulated rainfall could trigger more flash floods, which would mask the underlying issue of long-term water shortages.
He said that the Hydrological Information Institute is working closely with public and private partners to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting. "By integrating drone technology and advanced monitoring tools, we are enhancing our real-time response capabilities. These innovations will improve early warning and support Thailand's long-term water safety planning."
According to the institute's forecast, rainfall on the southwestern coast of southern Thailand will be above normal from November to December, while the eastern provinces will experience typical monsoon patterns. Overall, rainfall this year is expected to be lower than in 2024; by 2026, Thailand may face a water shortage of over 4.45 billion cubic meters, highlighting the urgency of strategic water resource management.
The authorities are urged to accelerate the construction of irrigation systems and large-scale water diversion projects to direct floodwaters into reservoirs and high-demand agricultural areas, so as to cope with potential water supply shortages in the future.
Institute Director Rewen said that although some regions in Thailand, especially the north, have seen heavy rainfall and flooding this month, authorities are more concerned about whether rapidly declining water levels will lead to insufficient water storage.
He believes the next four weeks are critical, as accumulated rainfall could trigger more flash floods, which would mask the underlying issue of long-term water shortages.
He said that the Hydrological Information Institute is working closely with public and private partners to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting. "By integrating drone technology and advanced monitoring tools, we are enhancing our real-time response capabilities. These innovations will improve early warning and support Thailand's long-term water safety planning."
According to the institute's forecast, rainfall on the southwestern coast of southern Thailand will be above normal from November to December, while the eastern provinces will experience typical monsoon patterns. Overall, rainfall this year is expected to be lower than in 2024; by 2026, Thailand may face a water shortage of over 4.45 billion cubic meters, highlighting the urgency of strategic water resource management.
The authorities are urged to accelerate the construction of irrigation systems and large-scale water diversion projects to direct floodwaters into reservoirs and high-demand agricultural areas, so as to cope with potential water supply shortages in the future.