Drought coming, public urged to save water

The Thai public is urged to conserve water in preparation for a drought which will occur this summer, a senior Interior Ministry official said here Saturday.

Anucha Mokhavej, Director General of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said despite the recent visitation of Cyclone Mala many areas in the country still face insufficient water for household consumption and farming.

The public is requested to use water wisely and to repair leaking plumbing systems, Mr. Anucha said.
Farmers, especially those who farm ricefields outside irrigation areas, are asked not to grow rice during the dry season, but rather switch to grow crops that consume small amounts of water.

Mr. Anucha said those facing hardships from the scarcity of water could ask for help by either contacting offices of the department in their areas, or telephone the department's hotline, which is 1784, round-the-clock.