Water management in Thailand: Huge challenges for the future!

Water management in Thailand: Huge challenges for the future!

On November 28, 2025, “Spotlight Day 2025” took place in Bangkok, an event with a particular focus on the economy and climate change. Melinda Good, World Bank Director for Thailand and Myanmar, spoke about the challenges Thailand faces in the current global economic order. She made it clear that the issues of flooding and water security need to be addressed urgently as the impacts of climate change increase, warning that economic losses from neglecting water management could be between 7 and 14% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050. According to Bangkok Biz News, Good also talks about the strategic importance of the Chao Phraya River basin, which contains around 40% of Thailand's population and two-thirds of its GDP.

To improve water management in the region, the World Bank is supporting nine rapid actions to enable sustainable development without major flooding. A sufficient water supply is of fundamental importance, especially in order to attract investments in future-oriented industries such as the digital services sector. Cooperation with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is considered crucial.

Thai government strategies

But what exactly is the Thai government doing to overcome these challenges? According to GTAI the focus is on the Water Resources Management Master Plan, which applies from 2018 to 2037 and is intended to increase the efficiency of the water management. Numerous measures are planned for this, such as the construction of new dams and drainage systems to prevent floods, as well as the construction of additional reservoirs for water supply during dry periods.

Despite sufficient rainfall, the uneven distribution always brings with it challenges that can result in both floods and droughts. Around 95% of households are connected to the pipe network, but the water supply is often not sufficient to meet drinking water requirements. Many people are forced to use water from large containers or bottles.

A look at the upcoming major projects shows that over 5,000 water projects worth several billion US dollars are currently being planned. These include major projects such as the Chao Phraya flood prevention drainage project in Bangkok, which is estimated to cost approximately $3 billion. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion by 2031. An application for a $1.6 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank is also being prepared.

Progress and partnerships

International cooperation also plays an important role. The Climate Resilience Enhancing Project in Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Uttaradit provinces aims to introduce more resilient agricultural practices and improve market access. Farmers receive support, among other things, through training and access to climate-informed resources so that they are better prepared for extreme weather conditions.

In recent decades, Thailand has experienced significant progress in social and economic development. However, the country remains extremely vulnerable to climate change due to its long coastline and highly rural population that relies heavily on agriculture. It is estimated that agricultural losses could range from $24 billion to $94 billion between 2040 and 2049, underscoring the urgency of forward-looking water management strategies.

It is clear that the challenges in water management are not only local in scale, but are also critical to Thailand's national strategy to remain prominent in the global economy. Innovative solutions and comprehensive collaborations are required to set the course for a sustainable future.