Drought in Thailand: Supply of tap water is at risk
Thailand's drought has been called the worst in 40 years by the Bangkok Post. In some provinces, the supply of tap water is at risk. This applies, for example, to the village of Thap Kwai (Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province), where 1 percent of the capacity is still available.
Thailand expects worst drought in 10 years
The rainfall in Thailand so far remains well below average and that is very worrying. Deputy Director General Kornrawee of the Meteorological Department said the North, Northeast and the Central area will be particularly affected. These regions are precisely the most important for the rice east.
The Royal Irrigation Department outlines a doomsday scenario when it comes to flooding and drought in Thailand. Over the next 35 years, the area affected by floods will increase from 1,66 million to 4,12 million rai. Severe floods will occur every 7 years.
Drought is a threat to the rice and sugar cane crops
The drought that will mainly affect the north and northeast of Thailand this year may cause damage of 15,3 billion baht. Due to the drought, a second harvest of rice will often not be possible. The cultivation of sugar cane will also be affected, the Kasikorn Research Center has calculated.
Princess Sirindhorn worried about predicted drought
Experts predict a severe drought and also a lot of heat in large parts of Thailand for this year, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn shares these concerns. She informed Minister Grisadavan of Agriculture prior to her visit to villagers in Si Sa Ket, Sakon Nakhon and Surin.
The Thai government warns of a very dry year with possible water shortages and is already taking measures. For example, Minister Grisada of Agriculture is speaking today with the 76 provincial governors to inform and instruct them.
Preparations to prevent drought are already in full swing in seven provinces. Sufficient water reserves must be built up for consumption and irrigation and fortunately this is the case, said government spokesman Sansern.
The size of the second rice harvest is too large, which means that there is a threat of a water shortage. This concerns 7,2 million rai that is now planted with rice, more than 4 million rai more than budgeted for in terms of irrigation.
Koh Samui suffers from drought: tap water is rationed
The island of Koh Samui is experiencing its worst drought in 10 years. The island's main water reservoir, Pru Namuang, is almost dry. A reason for the municipality to limit the water distribution.
Khao Sam Roi Yot swamp in Prachuap Khiri Khan is dry
The unique Khao Sam Roi Yot swamp in Prachuap Khiri Khan is completely dry, says Rungrot Atsawakuntharin, head of the national park. The swamp is special because of the many lotuses and it is populated by thousands of migratory birds.
Drought causes higher rice prices
The prices of rice from Thailand have risen to the highest level in the past two years due to the drought. The price of white rice is now $ 424 per ton, which was $ 397 in April. Glutinous rice costs $900 per ton compared to $867 a month ago. The price of Hom Mali (jasmine rice) remains stable at USD 795 per ton.
RID: There is not enough water in Thailand to plant rice
Thailand is one of the largest rice exporters in the world. Many Thai farmers depend on the harvest, but there is not enough water to start planting rice next month, says the Royal Irrigation Department (RID).
The Ubolratana reservoir is (technically) dry because it only contains 1 percent water of its capacity. Out of necessity, use must be made of the bottom water that serves to guarantee the stability of the dam.
Songkran 2016 in the sign of drought
Songkran, the Thai New Year started yesterday but will be celebrated less exuberantly this year. Thailand is dealing with the worst drought in 20 years and wasting water is actually 'not done'. Because Songkran attracts many tourists, the Thai government has not banned the water festival, although a number of measures have been taken and the government has asked not to use too much water.
Drought or not, Songkran continues for the sake of tourism
Thailand is experiencing its worst drought in 20 years. Farmers are asked to save water and, if necessary, to let the harvest go to waste. Nevertheless, the Thai New Year's party with water throwing (Songkran) continues. Tourism is apparently more important to the military rulers than the lack of water.
Half of Thailand suffers from persistent drought
The disaster that is unfolding in Thailand is becoming more and more extensive. At least 152 districts in 42 provinces are facing water shortages because natural water sources are rapidly drying up. This said deputy chief Thongplew Kongchan of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID).
Drought Thailand: State of emergency in 23 provinces
The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in 23 of its 76 provinces. More and more Thai people are suffering from the persistent drought that affects large parts of the country. The drought is the worst in the last 20 years.