BANGKOK – The government is urging all factories to use proper methods to treat waste before disposal. In the meantime, the public has been asked to use water in the most efficient way due to possible water shortages in the future.
Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Government Spokesperson, said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha had instructed responsible agencies – the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives – to inspect waste water dumped into waterways across Thailand. The Premier also asked factories to treat harmful waste in the most environmentally-friendly way possible as well as preserve natural resources in the areas where they operate.
Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd
Speaking about possible water shortages in the future, the spokesperson said members of the public should use water more efficiently while agriculturists should refrain from off-season cultivation, given that the amount of water the country has may not be enough for off-season farming.
A recent survey shows that there are 6.7 billion cubic meters of water in 4 major dams including Bhumibol Dam, Sirikit Dam, Kwae Noi Dam and Pa Sak Jolasid Dam. However, the amount of water that can be used for consumption is only 4.24 billion cubic meters. It is anticipated that demand for water in the year 2016 is approximately 3.5 billion cubic meters, which leaves 747 million cubic meters of water for the country to manage risks such as a severely unexpected drought.
