Hua Hin drought zone declared as water shortages spread
Hua Hin drought zone areas have been officially declared as Prachuap Khiri Khan continues to face widespread water shortages following months of low rainfall and falling reservoir levels.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has declared drought-affected areas in six districts, covering 19 subdistricts, 177 villages and three communities. A total of 82,172 people from 34,460 households have been affected.
In Hua Hin, the declared drought zone covers three subdistricts and 33 villages. The affected areas are Hin Lek Fai, Huai Sat Yai and Bueng Nakhon.
The announcement follows a national disaster prevention and mitigation meeting held on 19 May, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawadsan attended the meeting online from Provincial Hall, along with heads of government agencies, district chiefs and representatives from relevant organisations.
Officials said the province entered drought conditions in February. Since January, average rainfall across districts has totalled 37 millimetres, well below normal levels and 118.22 millimetres lower than the same period in 2025.
Water levels in nine medium and large reservoirs have fallen to 102.487 million cubic metres, or 20.50 percent of total capacity. Officials said all reservoirs are experiencing low water levels, while many natural water sources have also declined or dried up.
Areas affected by household water shortages
Officials said shortages of water for household consumption and general use have affected seven districts, 36 subdistricts and 266 villages or communities, covering 109,883 people from 55,967 households.
The affected areas are:
- Hua Hin district: 5 subdistricts, 50 villages
- Pran Buri district: 5 subdistricts, 30 villages
- Sam Roi Yot district: 4 subdistricts, 9 villages
- Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district: 5 subdistricts, 35 villages
- Thap Sakae district: 6 subdistricts, 65 villages
- Bang Saphan district: 6 subdistricts, 41 villages
- Bang Saphan Noi district: 5 subdistricts, 29 villages
Declared drought zone in Hua Hin district
In Hua Hin district, the official drought disaster declaration covers three subdistricts and 33 villages.
The affected areas are:
- Hin Lek Fai subdistrict: villages 2–6, 8, 11–13 and 16
- Huai Sat Yai subdistrict: villages 1–11
- Bueng Nakhon subdistrict: villages 1–12
The wider provincial declaration also includes parts of Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Pran Buri, Thap Sakae, Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi.
Water distribution stepped up
Governor Sitthichai, in his role as commander of the provincial drought response centre, has ordered government agencies, districts, local administrative organisations and related agencies to monitor the situation and assist affected residents.
Authorities said 534,009,650 litres of water have been supplied through water pumping, household distribution and the replenishment of village water supply systems.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and its Region 4 centre in Prachuap Khiri Khan have deployed long-distance water pumps, water trucks, drinking water production vehicles and hydraulic excavators to five districts and nine subdistricts, supplying 108,478,650 litres of water.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan Irrigation Project has supplied 425,168,000 litres through siphons, water trucks and pumping operations.
The Provincial Waterworks Authority has also installed mobile water production units at Bo Nok and the Sahaviriya area, while providing free tap water to local authorities for distribution to residents.
Royal rainmaking operations have been carried out since 1 March. Officials said 156 flights have been conducted over 137 flight hours, using 70 tonnes of rainmaking substances. The operations have benefited agricultural areas, forests and livestock in all districts, with water flowing into 17 dams and reservoirs.
