Compensation for farmers affected by rescue mission

BANGKOK, July 3 (TNA) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will compensate farmers, affected by water drainage from the Tham Luang cave as part of the search mission for the boys, trapped in the cave. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Kritsada Boonrat said according to the damage survey, about 1,500 rai (about 600 acres) of paddy fields have been flooded as it receives the water, drained from the cave. Initially, they will be paid 1,000 baht per rai. Agriculture officials will also distribute rice seeds for the new cultivation to farmers in three sub-districts around the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non cavern. Meanwhile, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will conduct survey on the damage and the impacts from the search mission on the Tham Luang area, which will be developed into a proper and safe tourist site in the future. (TNA)