June 25, 2016, Maj. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Government Spokesperson, disclosed that ever since Thailand officially entered rainy season on May 18, 2016, continuous rainfall has been recorded in many areas nationwide, especially above the dams, which has alleviated drought situation.
According to the Government Spokesperson, water has risen in many dams, for instance, Bhumibol Dam has been filled with 43.03 million cubic meters, Sirikit Dam 45.98 million cubic meters, Kwai Noi Bamrung Daen Dam 16.10 million cubic meters, Pa Sak Jolasid Dam 6.16 million cubic meters. Volume of water in large-size dams nationwide is about 30,849 cubic meters in total, accounting for 44% of total dam capacity. However, water volume at this level is not considerably high.
“The Government enjoined water-related agencies to retain water as much as possible in line with rainfall intensity, and to ensure that downstream of dams is not affected. The Cabinet, recently, approved the budget of 1,406.41 million Baht to construct monkey cheeks, electric water-pumping stations, water distribution system, water diversion system, as well as to increase storage capacity of existing reservoirs, a total of 35 projects, in a bid to address water shortage problem.
As for 23 provinces, declared as drought disaster zones, government agencies have worked in an integrative manner to provide continuous relief until drought disaster ends, such as provision of water for consumption and water pumping devices for agricultural purpose. The Government also set a target to increase water budget by another 3 billion cubic meters from production of artificial rain during June- November 2016.
“The Prime Minister urged the people to take precaution as dry spell may occur again during the end of June and early July even though drought disaster has been eased out. Moderate volume of dam water may also affect water usage during next year’s dry season. He also enjoined concerned agencies to lay out water management plan that can be implemented to the maximum effect, and called on public cooperation to store water for personal use. Farmers are also urged to plan their cultivations according to water situation in the area.”