BANGKOK, 30 January 2015 – Several provinces in Thailand have begun to experience declining water levels as the temperature begins to rise.
In Chiang Rai, the rapid decrease in the level of water in the Lao River allows people to walk out as far as the middle of the river. The shallow water also makes it difficult for them to catch any fish. The water level is expected to go even lower in February and beyond.
A water shortage in 13 districts of Khon Kaen is affecting more than 300,000 rai of rice fields. According to provincial Governor Kumthorn Thawornsathit, the total damage is estimated to be at least 398 million baht. Financial assistance has been sought from the government to help farmers.
Food scarcity for wild monkeys in Ubon Ratchathani has prompted them to leave the forest and look for food in human habitats. They have reportedly raided nearby temples and homes.
Meanwhile, it remains quite cold in Chai Nat where the lowest temperature recorded was 17.5 degrees Celsius. A large amount of winter fog can be seen over the Chao Praya River. Furthermore in Sisaket, the army has been distributing blankets to Prangku residents to help them cope with the winter weather conditions.
