BANGKOK, 11 September 2015 – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has revealed that half of the reservoirs in Thailand contain only 30% of their full capacity.
According to DWR Director General Jatuporn Burutpat, the cabinet has been informed of the water situation. The DWR is now looking for ways to increase water reserves after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said there should be enough water in the irrigation system.
The water levels in major dams, including Chao Praya, Bhumipol, Sirikit and Pasak Dams, are also low. Royal Irrigation Department (RID) Director General Lertwiroj Kowattana said every unit under the RID is trying to increase the amount of water in reservoirs despite little rainfall.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will also come up with effective measures to help farmers coping with water shortages. Rice farmers have been advised to grow their in season-crops in May next year in order to harvest them just in time for the arrival of the rainy season.
