Suchart Inspects Cha-am Drought Relief, Expanding Groundwater Systems
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment visits Phetchaburi to accelerate groundwater development and long-distance water distribution projects.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Minister Suchart Chomklin visited Cha-am district in Phetchaburi on August 13, 2026.
- The visit aimed to tackle drought and water scarcity by expanding large-scale groundwater projects.
- The Huai Sai Nuea project produces 4,300 cubic meters of water daily, benefiting over 2,000 households.
On August 13, 2026, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin traveled to Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province, to inspect the drought situation and water shortage problems. He also followed up on the progress of groundwater resource development and long-distance water distribution systems in Tambon Huai Sai Nuea. The initiative aims to secure sustainable water resources for local residents, emphasizing that solutions must encompass the entire system from source to distribution to ensure water actually reaches the public.
Accompanying the Minister during this inspection were provincial administrators and local Members of Parliament, including:
- Mr. Phakphas Songvanyut, Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi Province
- Mrs. Thiwalrat Angkinan, MP for Phetchaburi Constituency 1
- Mr. Rerk Yu-dee, MP for Phetchaburi Constituency 2
- CPO. Aphichat Kaewkosol, MP for Phetchaburi Constituency 3
- Heads of government agencies and local administrative organization executives
The Minister stated that drought and water scarcity directly impact daily livelihoods, the agricultural sector, and economic activities, making it urgent to secure adequate water supplies and establish long-term management frameworks. In Cha-am district, two major ongoing projects are currently underway to address these challenges.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The first project is the large-scale groundwater development for consumption located at Ban Hup Kaphong, Tambon Khao Yai, which serves at least 1,000 households and supports over 7,000 rai of agricultural land. The second initiative is the exploration, potential assessment, design, and development of groundwater tap water and long-distance distribution systems in Tambon Huai Sai Nuea. This facility can produce up to 4,300 cubic meters of groundwater per day, or approximately 1.57 million cubic meters annually, covering Tambon Huai Sai Nuea, Tambon Sam Phraya, and the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center, benefiting over 2,000 households and 9,000 residents.
"Solving water problems requires fixing the entire system; having a water source is not enough, the water must actually be delivered to the people."
Suchart Chomklin
Water resource management in lower central Thailand and Phetchaburi frequently faces seasonal challenges due to high demands from both agriculture and tourism. Utilizing advanced groundwater exploration and long-distance distribution networks is crucial to reducing reliance on natural rainfall and ensuring that communities outside major irrigation zones retain reliable access to clean water.
Furthermore, Mr. Suchart instructed the Department of Groundwater Resources and related agencies to accelerate operations within scheduled timelines, enforce strict quality control on well drilling and tap water standards, and coordinate with the Department of Water Resources, Phetchaburi Province, and local authorities. This collaboration aims to seamlessly link water sources, transmission lines, and distribution networks while leveraging groundwater capacity data to expand projects to other drought-prone areas across Phetchaburi and the lower central provincial cluster.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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