General
Thai Authorities Initiate Water Management Survey for Drought Preparedness
The Office of the National Water Resources has been directed to identify potential water retention sites across 22 river basins to mitigate future drought impacts.
According to a report by Matichon Online on September 4, 2026, Deputy Minister of Interior Songsak Thongsri has instructed the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) to conduct an urgent survey of 22 river basins throughout Thailand. The primary objective of this initiative is to locate suitable areas for the construction of 'monkey cheeks' (kaem ling)—a traditional Thai water retention system designed to store excess water for use during the dry season.
For residents and travelers, this proactive measure is intended to bolster water security and manage seasonal fluctuations in water availability. While the government is prioritizing these infrastructure preparations to ensure a stable water supply, the specific locations for these retention sites and the timeline for construction have not yet been finalized.
It remains to be confirmed which specific provinces or districts will be prioritized for these projects and how the land acquisition or development process will impact local communities. As the ONWR begins its assessment, stakeholders are waiting for further details regarding the scale of the implementation and the expected completion dates for these water management facilities.