King concerned over drought: PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017
King concerned over drought: PM

His Majesty the King has raised concern over the current drought situation and ordered the government to do all it can to ease the suffering of the people, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday night.


In his weekly nationally televised address, Prayut urged the public and the agricultural sector to use water more efficiently as the dry season has arrived.
To avoid water shortages, the prime minister asked people in drought-prone areas and those living outside irrigation zones to store water in large containers whenever there is precipitation, noting that everyone must use water wisely and efficiently so that the country can endure the annual dry season.
The premier instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and other responsible units to reach out to everyone in need, while giving an assurance that the government will continue to monitor the water situation and has prepared a number of measures including rain-making operations.
Water scarcity is a major crisis that occurs on a yearly basis. Since taking office in 2014, the government has been promoting efficient use of water and has invested millions of baht to build reservoirs and water retention areas across Thailand.