Water Pricing in Thailand: Theory and Practice

Abstract

"This paper explores the rationale for the implementation of water pricing and water markets in Thailand, and reviews these options within the historical, socio-economic and technical context specific to this country. Despite Thailands peculiarity, there is little doubt that the problem of water allocation demands regulation and interventions, against the view held by some NGOs that concepts and practices inherited from a situation of open-access resource should continue to prevail. Demographic and economic changes in Thailand will not, in the short run, allow free access to water to last as a sustainable solution."