Drought and summer storms affect several Thai areas

BANGKOK, March 22 (TNA) - Haze, drought and summer storms have hit several Thai areas across the country, affecting local people and the agricultural sector. In Thailand's northern Chiang Mai province, haze resulting from forest fires has continued to affect air and road traffic, as visibility has been limited at 500 meters, prompting local people to have worn glasses and face masks to prevent eye and nose irritation. Over the past five weeks, more than 240,000 people in the Upper Thai North have suffered from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as eye and skin inflammation. In Mae Hong Son province, haze has, however, slightly relieved and visibility has been improving. In Lamphun province, also in the Thai North, drought has affected long bean plantations, while local vegetables have also stopped growing and suffered diseases, causing a loss of income to local growers. In northeastern Chaiyaphum province, drought is severe, as water in the Chi River has been subsiding fast to its lowest level this year and drying up in some sections, causing the dying second rice crop. In Nakhon Phanom province, also in the Thai Northeast, weather fluctuations and extreme heat have brought epidemics, including the foot and mouth disease to local cattle. In the southern Songkhla province, a summer storm has damaged at least 50 houses in the Tha Chang locality of Bang Klam district, with most of the roofs being ripped off. In Trang province, also in the Thai South, a summer storm has damaged local sugarcane plantations in the Khok Lor area of Muang district, forcing local growers to have sold their sugarcanes cheaply although they are not fully grown. (TNA)