Drought Hits Thai Province Early, Spurs Water-Saving Measures

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Nakhon Ratchasima province is facing an early drought crisis, prompting urgent actions from Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum across all 32 districts to manage water resources effectively. The lack of water is threatening both drinking water supplies and tap water production, as major reservoirs are severely depleted.

Key measures include ensuring enough drinking water, regulating agricultural use, preserving ecological balance in waterways, and meeting industrial demands. Farmers are urged to avoid planting water-heavy crops like off-season rice and to instead consider alternatives that use less water.

The Lam Takhong Reservoir in Si Khio district is a major concern with only 15.12% of its capacity, holding a mere 44 million cubic meters of usable water out of a total capacity of 314 million cubic meters. Other significant reservoirs like Lam Phra Phloeng, Mun Bon, and Lam Chae are also below half capacity.

Meanwhile, in northeastern Khon Kaen, recent rain has eased conditions, keeping the Ubolratana Reservoir at a stable 52% capacity, expected to last through the dry season. However, water shortages persist in Buriram province, where a shortage has impacted 26 villages since last year. In Sakae Phrong subdistrict, local authorities provide daily water deliveries to help affected villages lacking piped water. The Sakae Phrong Subdistrict Administration Organization is urging the government to fund plans for expanding water infrastructure and dredging to combat the ongoing drought, reported Thai News Agency.