Anutin Government Elevates Clean Drinking Water to a Core Policy to Reduce Household Costs and Ensure Safe, Affordable Access for All
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration has announced that clean drinking water will become a key national policy aimed at lowering household expenses and enhancing public welfare. The initiative was officially presented to Parliament on September 29, 2025.
Part of the government’s broader economic strategy, the policy seeks to increase income opportunities while reducing daily costs for citizens. It underscores a focus on essential services—from energy and transportation to toll fees and now, access to safe drinking water.
This initiative is not entirely new; it originated under the Bhumjaithai Party and has been championed by Anutin since his time as deputy prime minister and interior minister during the previous Paetongtarn Shinawatra government. Notably, on December 4, 2024, Anutin introduced mobile water purification units at Si Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden in Samut Prakan, pledging that these facilities would eventually serve every community in need. The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority and Provincial Waterworks Authority have been tasked with ensuring universal access.
Local Concerns Highlight Water Quality Issues The push for cleaner water comes amid ongoing complaints about tap water quality. On October 1, Pheu Thai MP Natchira Imwised told Parliament that residents of Ban Khokapi in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Non Thai district often face low or interrupted water supplies, with water quality frequently falling below standards.
Similarly, Kla Tham Party MP Chaowarit Khajornpongkirati reported that villages in Nan’s Mueang Chang subdistrict are experiencing chronic shortages of potable and household water, leading to calls for the Provincial Waterworks Authority to expand supply.
Support from Consumer Advocates The Foundation for Consumers welcomed the government’s move, with secretary-general Saree Ongsomwang emphasizing that clean drinking water should be a basic right, not a costly commodity.
“People should not have to buy bottled water at high prices,” she stated. “Tap water or public water supplies must be safe for immediate use. Families should not bear the financial burden of water; clean water should flow directly into every home.”
Ongsomwang also highlighted that for the policy to succeed, two key issues must be addressed: ensuring water quality and regulating prices. She noted that while drinking water is capped at seven baht, some airports and restaurants bypass regulations by selling mineral water instead.
The government maintains that the clean water initiative will improve living standards and lessen the financial strain on households, while regulators and consumer advocates continue to call for transparency, fair pricing, and the delivery of safe, reliable water nationwide.