Water shock on Ko Samui: Should travelers to Thailand cancel their holidays because of the drought?

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There is an acute water shortage on the Thai island of Ko Samui. According to media reports, the cause of the problem is an ongoing drought. In addition, after the corona pandemic, more tourists than usual want to travel to the dream island. This despite the fact that Ko Samui is not a typical summer destination.

The authorities have announced rationing from July 1: In the different regions of the island, water is only allowed to come out of the pipes alternately and daily. Hoteliers could be forced to buy fresh water from private suppliers. This could eventually affect hotel prices, the local tourism board said.

Thailand is not the only country facing drought and water shortages. Sweltering heat has spread across Southeast Asia in recent weeks, partly caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the Financial Times reported. From Malaysia to Vietnam to the Philippines, authorities are battling drought and wildfires. In Vietnam, shortages have already impacted hydropower production and power outages across the economy.

The governments of the affected countries are therefore calling on their populations to save water. Chadchart Sittipunt (57), the governor of Bangkok, expressed concern about a possible drought during the rainy season in the “Bangkok Post”. The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (65), said in a video conference last week: “We can all help. Each of us can do something.”

Weather Patterns El Niño originated in the Pacific Ocean and is characterized by above-average sea surface temperatures. Effects of El Niño can occur months later and persist into next year.

Reassure Swiss travel providers

Should Swiss travelers to Asia be concerned now? When asked by Blick, Sonja Ptassek, media spokeswoman for the Tui Suisse travel agency, explained that the situation on the ground is currently being monitored. Tui also has contact with the various hoteliers.

It sounds similar at Globetrotter Switzerland. Media spokeswoman Sandra Studer on Blick: “We are in constant contact with our partners. According to the feedback, there is currently no cause for concern. We are currently not registering any cancellations for Ko Samui due to the water situation.” Should the situation deteriorate, customers will be notified.

Regarding the drought in Southeast Asia, Globetrotter advises all travelers to be conscientious and careful with resources. It is not yet known whether the scarcity will affect prices. This is also confirmed by Markus Flick, media spokesman for Kuoni Reisen. “Whenever official orders or recommendations for holiday guests are made, we forward them to our guests,” he tells Blick. According to the current state of affairs, the water shortage has not yet affected the tourist services.

Source: Blick