Thailand: Communities, farmers, industry and authorities seek shared solutions

A new study by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) has revealed how farmers, industries, and local authorities in Thailand’s Pasak River Basin are finding ways to manage competing water needs, with opportunities for stronger collaboration ahead.

Whilst water is more abundant upstream, farmers in the lower river basin have begun securing their crops during dry periods by investing in wells, undermining conservation efforts. In addition, conservation authorities have flagged risks from unregulated groundwater pumping, particularly near the Champi Sirindhorn Wetland that is surrounded by sugarcane and corn farms. This recognition opens the door to joint planning between farmers and water and conservation authorities. Meanwhile, for industrial estates – that are predominantly established in the lower basin –  compliance with regulations and regular monitoring was reported, showing that whilst industries enjoy secure supplies, farmers and households face precarity. This highlights the need for inclusive representation and coordinated management.

Water quality problems in the Pasak Basin are closely tied to upstream–downstream dynamics: Industrial estates concentrated in the lower basin consume large volumes and contribute to contamination, affecting farmers, households, and local authorities. Downstream communities reported skin irritation from river exposure, making fishing, bathing, and swimming undesirable. With no clear solutions, many rely on costly packaged water (one restaurant owner spends up to THB 15,000 per month just to operate). 

The water flow from the Pasak Dam is highly important: According to an aquaculture representative, sudden high flows can cause mass fish mortality in floating cages. Without timely notification from the irrigation authority, fishers are unable to adjust their cages to prevent losses - an issue that has occurred in the past. No formal grievance mechanisms were pursued with the irrigation or water authorities. Nonetheless, the interviewee reported that the aquaculture farmers have become accustomed to noticing the flow rate and take preventive response adjusting the cages. 

The study praised women’s strong leadership in local water user groups, where they are helping to coordinate farming communities and strengthen communication with officials. 

SEI concluded that with greater coordination across sectors and stronger representation of local voices, the Pasak Basin could become a model for integrated water management in Thailand. 

This study is taking place as part of the Asia-Pacific Water Scarcity Programme (WSP), which is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Under the WSP, FAO and SEI are conducting a water tenure assessment in the Pasak River Basin to analyze water users and uses (both derived and not deriving from formal law) and to evaluate the security of these arrangements and their relationship to water availability and allocation in the area. In Thailand, the water tenure assessment is a key component of the Water Scarcity Action Plan (WSAP), which will be delivered at the end of the year and serves as a comprehensive, strategic document on managing water availability. The WSAP emphasizes actionable measures, detailed infrastructure and institutional investment priorities, and clearly defines responsibilities for key stakeholders in Thailand to clarify overlapping authorities, inform inclusive policy reforms, and identify areas of legal vulnerability.

The Pa Sak River Basin water tenure assessment under the WSP has built strong synergies with the ScaleWat project and its technical team undertaking the water tenure assessment in the Prasae River Basin. SEI and the ScaleWat technical teams collaborate closely to exchange best research practices and compare findings, and both teams will support national and regional engagements on water tenure. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) serves as the government partner for both initiatives, helping ensure consistency between the two assessments and strengthening capacity development with government agencies, academia, and civil society.