NE Thailand water shortage critical source: NNT : 6 Mar 2011 I-sarn water shortage now critical The 2nd Thai Royal Army has sent water trucks to help farmers in the Northeastern Thailand cope with the dry season.
According to Second Region commander Lt Gen Tawatchai Samutsakorn, 19 provinces in I-San have already been affected by the drought. He stressed that each declared-water crisis province would receive a budget of 50 billion THB to spend on water consumption at their disposal.
Lt Gen Tawatchai said the dry season this year is expected to last longer compared to the year before. Water has been continuously delivered to drought-affected locations while those who seek help can contact the Army’s rescue center. Many farmers have switched to other types of crops that withstand drought better in order to maintain their productivity.
However, there are also business opportunities amid water shortage; residents of Lamphun province know better to start looking for eggs of red ants, considered delicacy for many Thais, and fresh food that thrive in the forest at this time of year. Talat Taphao market in Lamphun is famous for its exotic food and it will be ample with rare vegetables and meat when local merchants are returning from the forest. Phak Whan or Opiliaceae can be sold for up to 200-300 THB per kilogram.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255403050011----------------------------------------------------------------------
Drought crisis on Ko Chang in the South solved to boost tourism
source: NNTKo Chang is among 62 islands off the coast of Ranong province that receive much attention from European tourists beside Ko Phayam. The name is not to be confused with other famous Ko Chang in Trat province. This tourist attraction has an area of 18 square kilometers and is renowned for its tranquility.
There are over 100 families living on the island. Schools and temples are the center of the community. Since the beginning of Summer, the island has been gripped by drought. This is due to saltwater intrusion as well as the declining amount of fresh water in storage.
Phayam’s Head of the Tambon Administrative Organization, TAO, Ms Ampha Keawyaw said the lack of financial support was the major reason the water management around Nong Ta Kham lagoon, the biggest source of fresh water on the island, could not proceed. After the Royal Irrigation Department has been informed of the crisis, last year’s budget cut worth 18 million baht was granted to improve the situation. The development plan is also in line with the second phase of the National Economic and Social Development Plan.
Under the plan, a water tank with the capacity of 200,000 cubic meters will be built. The entire configuration will be 6 meters wide and 120 meters in length. Adjacent to it will be a drainage system with a diameter of 80 centimeters.
Following the plan, Ms Ampha said the island residents would be able to cope with the dry season for a long time into the future. Farmers should be able to continue to maintain their productivity over 250 rais of farmlands. And most importantly, the tourism industry of Ko Chang will remain strong.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255403050014
Search Option
Recent Posts
Todays Birthdays
