Thai government insists water enough for consumption in summer

BANGKOK, February 23 (TNA) - While people in several Thai provinces are suffering from drought, the government has announced that there will be sufficient water for domestic consumption during the upcoming summer. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Director-General Chatchai Promlert made the announcement during a weekly TV and radio programme of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday. Chatchai said currently, 35 Thai provinces or 25,014 villages, covering those in the North and Northeast, are confronting drought due to scarcity of rainfalls and lesser water stored at dams nationwide than last year, acknowledging Premier Yingluck has ordered that water of 100 million litres be supplied for people's consumption during the upcoming summer in drought-stricken areas. The senior Interior Ministry official, however, urged people to consume water at the maximum benefit; while government officials will help agriculturists who cannot grow crops during this year's summer by providing occupational training. Meanwhile, the natural resources and environment minister noted that his ministry plans to clear waterways, install more waterpumps and finding raw water sources to assist people in the drought-hit areas. (TNA)