Motorcycle Repair Shop's Shocking 40,000 Baht Water Bill for 920,000 Liters

Khaosod•Society•17d ago

Reader Briefing

A motorcycle repair shop owner in Udon Thani is baffled by an astronomical water bill and usage of 920,000 liters over two months, despite normal meter readings and no apparent leaks.

•A motorcycle repair shop owner in Udon Thani received a water bill totaling 41,839.15 baht for April and May 2026, citing usage of 920,000 liters.
•The owner states his usual water bill is around 300-400 baht per month, and he does not live at the shop.
•Officials from the Provincial Waterworks found the meter to be functioning normally and no internal leaks, but noted external taps, vowing to investigate further.
•The owner believes the bill is unfairly high for his small business and has sought media assistance for an explanation.

Overview

•On May 14, 2026, a reporter visited a motorcycle repair shop in Udon Thani due to complaints about an excessively high water bill.
•The water bill for April 2026 was 20,593.76 baht, and for May 2026 it was 21,245.39 baht, totaling 41,839.15 baht for two months.
•The reported water usage for these two months was 922,000 liters.
•The owner typically pays 300-400 baht per month for water.
•The owner requested the landlord contact the Provincial Waterworks office in Udon Thani for an inspection due to the unusual bill.
•An initial inspection by the Provincial Waterworks found no abnormalities with the water meter or internal pipes.
•The owner suspects the high water usage is due to an external tap that was overlooked during the initial inspection.
•The Provincial Waterworks will consult their office to address the case and will inform the homeowner of the resolution.

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Key Quotes

Owner (Nai Golf)

"What kind of water bill is this outrageously high?"

ค่าน้ำอะไรมหาโหดขนาดนี้

Owner (Nai Golf)

"How can the water bill be this outrageously expensive? Even if I left the water running, there should be signs of flooding or a burst pipe in the house, as the pipes are above ground and not buried."

ค่าน้ำอะไรจะแพงมหาโหดขนาดนี้ แม้จะให้ตนเปิดน้ำทิ้งไว้ ก็น่าจะมีร่องรอยน้ำท่วมบ้าน หรือหากท่อในบ้านแตก ก็น่าจะเห็น เพราะว่าท่อน้ำจะอยู่บนดินไม่ได้ฝังดิน

Owner (Nai Golf)

"How much water would one have to use to reach 900,000 liters? It's just a motorcycle repair shop, not a factory."

จะต้องใช้น้ำขนาดไหนถึงจะถึง 9 แสนลิตร เป็นแค่ร้านซ่อมรถ จยย.ไม่ใช่โรงงาน

Ismarin (Head of Service, Provincial Waterworks)

"The water meter is functioning normally, but the units have increased. There are no internal leaks, but there is a tap outside the house. The meter readings match those taken for both months. This case will be discussed at the Provincial Waterworks office, Udon Thani, to resolve the issue, and the homeowner will be informed."

มิเตอร์น้ำปกติดี แต่หน่วยมันขึ้น ไม่มีการรั่วภายใน แต่ว่ามีก๊อกอยู่นอกบ้าน มาตรวัดน้ำตรงกับผู้ที่มาจดไปทั้ง 2 เดือน ซึ่งจะได้นำเคสนี้เข้าไปปรึกษาในสำนักงานการประปาส่วนภูมิภาค จ.อุดรธานี เพื่อแก้ไขปัญหา แล้วจะแจ้งให้เจ้าของบ้านทราบต่อไป

Key Entities

Person

Nai Golf(นายกอล์ฟ)

The owner of a motorcycle repair shop in Udon Thani who received an unusually high water bill.

Ismarin(นายอิสรินทร์)

Head of Service at the Provincial Waterworks Office, Udon Thani Province, who led the second inspection of the water meter.

Organization

Provincial Waterworks Office, Udon Thani Province(สำนักงานประปาส่วนภูมิภาค จ.อุดรธานี)

The local water utility responsible for supplying water and investigating billing discrepancies in Udon Thani.

Place

Mitraphap Road (Udon Thani - Nong Khai)(ถนนมิตรภาพ (อุดรธานี -หนองคาย))

The location of the motorcycle repair shop in Udon Thani.

Village 5, Ban Tha Tum, Moo Si Sub-district, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province(หมู่ 5 บ้านท่าตูม ต.หมูม่น อ.เมือง จ.อุดรธานี)

The specific address of the motorcycle repair shop.

Phen District, Udon Thani Province(อ.เพ็ญ จ.อุดรฯ)

The district where Nai Golf lives, separate from his motorcycle repair shop.