Heavy rains hit Thai South

BANGKOK, June 16 (TNA) - Heavy rains have been reported in many southern Thai provinces, heightening fears of possible landslides. In Phangnga resort province, many trees were uprooted following heavy storm winds, damaging several houses in Takua Pa district. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The Meteorological Department had warned small trawlers to remain ashore as three-metre-high waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand were expected. People in Ranong province had also been told to stay alert for monsoon storms and high sea waves. Meanwhile, Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Preecha Rengsomboonsuk, gave an interview on the progress a reforestation programme to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday, which include planting 800 million saplings. He said part of funding needed would come from the 330 billion baht government budget. (TNA)