Thai ombudsman steps in to solve drought problem

BANGKOK, June 20 (TNA) - After receiving several complaints from the public, especially farmers, Thailand's Office of Ombudsman has decided to study ways to solve drought on a sustainable basis and then forward its proposed solutions to the government and relevant agencies. The office's chairman, Sriracha Wongsarayangkun, told journalists on Saturday (Jun 20) that his office is gathering advices on how to solve the drought problem, while his staff are meeting senior officials of relevant agencies, including the Royal Irrigation Department and the Water Resources and Groundwater Resources Departments, to discuss with them on how to solve the country's drought problem. Sriracha said questionnaires have also been sent to those affected nationwide, asking them what kind of assistance they need and other vital problems they want the government to solve, stressing that information obtained will be forwarded to the government and relevant agencies. In another development, the Thai Ministry of Interior has ordered provincial officials to accelerate their surveys on local farmers’ debts within June 26, after it is found that many indebted farmers have lost their land to loan sharks. Permanent Secretary for Interior Viboon Sa-nguanpong told reporters that his ministry will conclude the information and send to responsible agencies so that action will be taken. (TNA)