A political debate concerning the potability of tap water in Bangkok sparked significant public attention. Renowned news presenter Sorayuth Suthassanachinda decided to test this claim himself by drinking a glass of tap water, leading to an array of reactions from concerned viewers.

 

Sorayuth, a popular figure in Thai media, addressed the issue of drinkable tap water during his programme กรรมกรข่าว คุยนอกจอ (“Kamagon Kui Nork Jor”) highlighting the political controversy between the People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party regarding the policy’s origins. This debate coincided with the local elections for the mayor of Udon Thani, intensifying the political discourse.

 

During the programme, Sorayuth requested his team to fill two glasses with tap water to demonstrate his belief in the safety of the city’s water supply. As his co-presenter, Bright Phichayatan, reached for a glass, Sorayuth humorously intervened, expressing his wish to avoid any unforeseen circumstances that might prevent her from reading the news the following day.

 

In a show of confidence, Sorayuth consumed the entire glass of tap water, assuring viewers that he detected no chlorine taste.

 

“I believe in this country.”

 

The news presenter also jokingly acknowledged a slight stomach discomfort, leaving viewers in suspense about whether this was merely psychological.

 

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSodThe broadcast prompted a flurry of comments from viewers, many of whom expressed their concerns and jested about the potential consequences.

 

“Who will read the news tomorrow?”

 

“The last episode of ‘Khui Nork Jor.'”

 

Despite the humour and light-hearted comments from viewers, the underlying concern remains significant.

 

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the political parties involved will address the public’s concerns and whether Sorayuth’s stomach discomfort was indeed a mere coincidence or a testament to the quality of Bangkok’s tap water, reported KhaoSod.

 

In Thailand, tap water is generally not considered safe to drink directly. While the water treatment facilities in urban areas like Bangkok may meet certain safety standards, contamination can occur in the pipelines that transport water to homes

 

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-11-19

 

 

I never realised this 'could be a debate' - I thought it was quite clear.... (no pun intended).

 

 

Tap water in Thailand is not recognised as being safe for direct consumption. 

 

The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority in Bangkok treats water and meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards, but, the aging and potentially compromised distribution infrastructure can lead to contamination before it reaches consumers.... hence, the water is not considered safe - I always figured this was widely known.

 

... and outside of Bangkok the quality varies even more and may contain bacteria and pollutants.

 

 

 

 

Better not spill any on his suit. He might get bleach stains. You can smell the Chlorine in the water in BKK.

The only place the water is safe for all consumption is 99% of the United States.

Eh, depends.

 

I've consumed tap water at many of the higher end hotels in Bangkok (because I presume it's filtered) and will continue to do so on a contingency basis.  No concerns whatsoever.

6 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

The only place the water is safe for all consumption is 99% of the United States.

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/05/health/pfas-nearly-half-us-tap-water-wellness/index.html

I do not drink Bangkok tap water regularly, but I have drunk it and I certainly brush my teeth multiple times a day with the stuff.

I do occasionally use 50% tap water in my espresso machine because RO water can be harmful to the pipes and boiler.

after 25 years here, I reckon I would have seen some negative effects already

21 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Better not spill any on his suit. He might get bleach stains. You can smell the Chlorine in the water in BKK.

 

it off-gasses very rapidly if you have a tank ion premises and don't use water straight firm the mains. i have kept fish for decades without dechlorinating

I hope he checked the tank on the roof for dead bodies first.

 

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a show of confidence, Sorayuth consumed the entire glass of tap water, assuring viewers that he detected no chlorine taste.

Probably passed through a series of filters and charcoal blockers before reaching the tap

10 hours ago, impulse said:

I hope he checked the tank on the roof for dead bodies first.

 

 

Or a dead pig-e-on

 

 

 

I live in Bangkok and we always use tap water for brushing my teeth and cooking rice, washing vegetables. Never had any problems. The same tap water passed through Nano filter is used for drinking. The condominium overhead and basement tanks are cleaned once every 3 months and we also sends water samples from random taps for analysis once in 6 months and results are always good.

I drink tap water in Bangkok regularly, and have done so for 60 years. Now 82 years old and so far no I'll effects 

1 hour ago, saakura said:

I live in Bangkok and we always use tap water for brushing my teeth and cooking rice, washing vegetables. Never had any problems. The same tap water passed through Nano filter is used for drinking. The condominium overhead and basement tanks are cleaned once every 3 months and we also sends water samples from random taps for analysis once in 6 months and results are always good.

Could you share where to send tap water for analysis in BKK?  TIA

a few charcoal pills after, just to be sure

18 hours ago, Yagoda said:

The only place the water is safe for all consumption is 99% of the United States.

And here it comes again. The US this, the US that...

9 hours ago, DaveInSukhumvit said:

Could you share where to send tap water for analysis in BKK?  TIA

I need to inquire also.  Have found these but have no knowledge of cost or how detailed the analysis is.

 

https://www.sgs.com/en-th/services/drinking-water-testing

 

Asian Institute of Technology

https://www.gwsc.ait.ac.th

 

4 hours ago, Scott Tracy said:

And here it comes again. The US this, the US that...

Not according to this report.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/31/americas-tap-water-samples-forever-chemicals

On 11/19/2024 at 12:25 PM, Yagoda said:

The only place the water is safe for all consumption is 99% of the United States.

And RFK Jr will soon sort that out...

On 11/20/2024 at 2:00 PM, Scott Tracy said:

And here it comes again. The US this, the US that...

There’s a few of these around; trolls, bots and the deluded, various countries. Some of those Dutch fellas tend to be quite ‘special’. Just put on ignore.

 

Used to filter tap water in Chiang Mai environs and brush teeth unfiltered. Where I am in the south now, similar filter got clogged in a week, metals and all sorts, but likely the condo’s borehole and tank. Those guys that are drinking it direct, if you’re not getting nasties in there, the chlorine is not doing your gut microbiome any favours. I stopped drinking unfiltered UK tap water (which is generally very good and cool) because of it.