“Up to 22 provinces will be hit by water shortage, seven of which are in the North, 10 in the Northeast, one in the East and four in the South. This water shortage is expected to affect 717,000 people,” she said.
She also said that areas near the Krasiao Reservoir, Thap Salao Dam, Ubol Ratana Dam, Lam Nang Rong Reservoir and Chulabhorn Dam will be short on water for irrigation. These dams and reservoirs cover eight provinces, namely Suphan Buri, Uthai Thani, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Buri Ram and Chaiyaphum.
“The prime minister is calling on related authorities to come up with plans to reserve water and seek new sources by digging wells and dredging canals,” she said. “He has also urged farmers to keep updated with information released by related authorities.”