Taps run dry on Thai island as tourism boom worsens water shortage

Public urged to use water sparingly on Koh Samui, as authorities say they don't want it to become a disaster zone'

Authorities on Koh Samui are working to tackle a water shortage that has left taps running dry often for months, saying they do not want the Thai island to become a disaster zone".

A lack of rain and a resurgence in tourism has put intense pressure on supplies, prompting Sutham Samthong, a deputy mayor of Koh Samui, to urge the public to use supplies sparingly.