UTHAI THANI, 17 April 2015 – Thailand has continued to suffer from the worsening drought crisis. Several fruit orchards in the South have been affected by water shortages, while the Northeast has continued to experience heavy smog.
A dike has been built in Huai Khot district of Uthai Thani province, to sustain a hundred families at risk of water shortages.
The dike is a collaboration between the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Forestry and the Royal Thai Army. It was also been carried out in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
In the South of Thailand, fruit farmers in Yala claimed their crops are dying, as the summer heat intensifies in the region. The Royal Thai Army has been delivering water to several communities, some of which have had no running water for four months. Residents said despite the army’s assistance, the water supply is not nearly enough to support even one family.
Meanwhile, smog has caused poor road visibility in Nakhon Phanom province, particularly in the areas along the Mekong River. Residents have reported eye strain and irritation due to the air pollution.
Meteorologists claimed it was caused by the high pressure system from China that kept dust particles low to the ground. They added it would be another week before the smog begins to clear.
