Thailand Trails Neighbours in Freshwater Reserves

Picture courtesy of The Nation

Thailand holds significantly lower freshwater reserves compared to many of its Asian neighbours, according to new data from the World Bank and FAO Aquastat. The figures highlight growing concerns over water scarcity and its potential impact on agriculture, energy, and food security across the region.

Freshwater makes up only 2.5% of the Earth’s total water, with most of it trapped in glaciers, polar ice caps or deep underground aquifers. This limited supply is unevenly distributed worldwide, creating sharp disparities between nations that influence their economic and environmental resilience.

The latest World Bank statistics from 2022 show that China leads Asia with approximately 2,813 billion cubic metres of renewable freshwater, followed by Indonesia with 2,019 billion and India with 1,446 billion. These countries benefit from vast river systems and extensive rainfall that sustain both industry and population needs.

By contrast, Thailand’s renewable freshwater reserves are estimated at just 225 billion cubic metres, placing it far behind regional leaders and even smaller nations such as Bangladesh (1,227), Myanmar (1,003), and Malaysia (580). Neighbouring Laos (190) and Cambodia (121) also report relatively limited reserves despite sharing the Mekong River, which remains a critical resource for agriculture and livelihoods in the region.

Developed economies such as Japan and South Korea face similar challenges, holding 430 and 65 billion cubic metres of freshwater respectively. Singapore, with only 1 billion cubic metres, relies almost entirely on recycled water and imports from Malaysia to meet domestic consumption.

Experts warn that these imbalances expose Asia’s vulnerability to droughts, population growth, and climate change, all of which strain limited water supplies. Sustainable water management, improved regional cooperation and investment in conservation and recycling technologies are seen as essential steps to secure future freshwater access.

Freshwater reserves in Asia (billion cubic metres):

China – 2,813

Indonesia – 2,019

India – 1,446

Bangladesh – 1,227

Myanmar – 1,003

Malaysia – 580

Philippines – 479

Japan – 430

Vietnam – 359

Thailand – 225

Laos – 190

Cambodia – 121

North Korea – 67

South Korea – 65

Singapore – 1

Key Takeaways

• Thailand holds just 225 billion cubic metres of renewable freshwater, lagging behind major regional neighbours.

• China, Indonesia, and India dominate Asia’s freshwater supply, while countries like Singapore rely heavily on imports.

• Unequal water distribution poses growing risks to agriculture, energy and food security across Asia.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Nation 2025-11-03