The municipal water company in Bangkok has advised residents to build up a supply of water. Delivery may come to a (temporary) halt in the coming days due to the advance of the salt line in the Chao Phraya.
Drought costs Thailand 119 billion baht
The drought in Thailand is not an ecological disaster but also an economic disaster. According to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), the drought will cost 119 billion baht, or 0,85 percent of gross domestic product.
In an earlier posting we wrote about the problems with the long-tailed macaques due to the drought and food shortage. This same problem is now also starting to occur in the various national parks in Thailand.
I have already seen several reports about the drought in Thailand and that measures have therefore been taken with regard to Songkran to waste as little water as possible, such as celebrating fewer days and stopping earlier in the day. Does anyone know what this is like in Chiang Mai? Have these measures been taken here as well? Because I think this is an area where there is more/better water supply.
Songkran festival in Bangkok modified to save water
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to shorten the Songkran festivities in Bangkok and to celebrate it for one day instead of three days. This in connection with the drought and water scarcity, which the country has to contend with.
The Thai authorities continue to insist that enough water is available until the rainy season starts. Skeptics say that the government assumes that the rainy season will not be long in coming. But what if it arrives a few months later like last year?
In Thailand, the worst drought in twenty years continues to spread. There is a lack of water in many areas. So far, 4355 Thai villages have been declared disaster areas. They get help from the government.
Making rain in Thailand
Despite the Songkran festival last year, the consequences of El Nino appear to be stronger. Thailand is increasingly suffering from the drought. In total this would cover a period of 7 years, but now the high or rather low point would have been reached.
The Thai government will keep an eye on drinking water prices as the country falls prey to a prolonged drought. The aim is to protect consumers against extreme price increases and a possible shortage of drinking water.
The drought affecting large parts of Thailand is disastrous for the flora and fauna of Khao Yai National Park. this is exacerbated by the extraction of groundwater in the nature reserve.
Thai government asks people not to waste water during Songkran
You cannot prohibit people from using water, so the Thai government cannot do more than a call to use water sparingly during Songkran. Prime Minister Prayut is very concerned about the drought that is ravaging large parts of Thailand, says government spokesman Sansern. He hopes that the people will listen to the authorities and do everything possible to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Experts warn of serious water shortage in Thailand
The drought in Thailand can have far-reaching consequences. Warned about this, director Seree of the Center of Climate Change and Disaster of Rangsit University. He calls on farmers, industry and city residents to save more water.
The prospects are not good, there will be no end to the drought in parts of Thailand for the time being. Eleven provinces have already been declared a disaster area because there is almost no water.
The PWA (Provincial Waterworks Authority) calls on hotel entrepreneurs to be alert to water consumption. Due to the persistent drought, the PWA will closely monitor the consumption of the hotels.
Drought in Thailand is costing the agricultural sector billions
Large parts of Thailand are suffering from a persistent drought. As a result, damage to the agricultural sector is expected to amount to 62 billion baht, especially if the drought lasts until June, says economist Witsanu of Kasetsart University. Farmers who plant rice in May for this crop year may lose their harvest if there is not enough rainfall.
Drought in Thailand: Farmers switch to watermelons
If anyone has been wondering lately why there are so many watermelons for sale, the following explanation is the answer.
Water company Bangkok gives bonus for saving water
The Bangkok Municipal Water Board (MWA) is proposing a price for households and businesses that conserve water.