CHIANG MAI, 27 March 2013 The permanent-secretary of the Ministry of Defense oversaw the provision of large water containers to military units in Chiang Mai province, and asked that the public refrain from clearing forests by burning.
Defense Permanent-Secretary Thanongsak Aphirakyothin handed out 25 tanks of 1,500 liter and 2,000 liter capacities to the Phamueang border security force and Rangers units, for use during the drought period. The tanks were part of a total of 180 containers purchased with the money of donors who wanted to give the tanks to soldiers and civilians who lived in border areas nationwide. General Thanongsak said that so far the military has distributed water, dredged canals and waterways, built water retention sites and planted trees, in an effort to alleviate the drought crisis.
The Defense permanent-secretary added that collaboration must be asked of the public in stopping the burning of forests, in order to reduce pollution and conserve forest resources.
