General
ONWR Addresses Water Security Amid El Niño Forecasts
The Office of the National Natural Water Resources (ONWR) is implementing water management strategies in Eastern Thailand to mitigate the impact of El Niño, while urging data centers to secure independent water supplies.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on July 29, 2026, the Office of the National Natural Water Resources (ONWR) has projected that El Niño will cause rainfall across Thailand to drop 10% below normal levels. Current water reserves are estimated to be 10 billion cubic meters lower than the previous year. In response, the Prime Minister has established a 'single command' system to oversee both drought and flood management.
To support the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the ONWR is diverting water from the Wang Tanod area to replenish local reservoirs. A significant focus of this initiative is the rapid growth of data centers in the region. The ONWR has requested that the Board of Investment (BOI) provide a map of data center locations, emphasizing that these facilities should develop their own independent water sources to ensure operational stability without straining public resources.
For residents and travelers, this development highlights a proactive approach to managing potential water shortages. While the government is taking steps to secure supply, the long-term impact on utility availability remains to be seen. It is not yet confirmed how the BOI will respond to the request for data center mapping or what specific requirements will be placed on these facilities regarding their water consumption infrastructure.
Translated from Thai.
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