Despite rain, drought persists in Thailand

Although there has been widespread rain and scattered heavy downpours, the level of water at most dams is still low and many areas are still hard-hit by drought, Anucha Mokkawet, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said on Wednesday.

Mr Anucha said although heavy rain has been reported in many areas, dam reservoirs remained low because water has to be released continuously for home use and maintenance of the eco-system.

It is still necessary for people to economise on use of water, he said.

He said farmers are advised to closely follow the availability of water, water distribution plans, the weather and the rainfall so as to be able to properly plan for cultivation and reserve water in case the situation deteriorates.

Those outside irrigated zones should opt for short-lived plants instead of rice.

In the Chao Phraya river basin, farmers should delay annual rice planting until early August to prevent damage from water shortage, Mr Anucha said.

He said 12 northern provinces were still suffering -- Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Uttaradit and Uthai Thani.

Eleven northeastern provinces were also hit - Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Roi-et, Si Sa Ket, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Ubon Ratchathani - and four Central provinces - Chai Nat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi and Lop Buri.

A total of 1.2 million rai of farmland throughout the country had been affected.

The severest shortage was reported from April 12 to 19, affecting 24,248 villages in 463 districts of 60 provinces nationwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart and Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut on Wednesday made an inspection trip to Ubonrat dam in Khon Kaen district.

They found the province is still suffering from heavy drought, which has damaged 136,079 rai of farmland.

There is now only about 74 million cubic metres of water, or 4 per cent of capacity, in the Ubonrat dam, barely enough for another week of distribution for agriculture and consumption.