Thai PM orders integrated water management

BANGKOK, August 18 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has instructed agencies concerned to work together for an integrated water management system to quickly cope with the water situation in the country. The prime minister told journalists of the order on August 17, insisting on his government's policy on solving water problems in all affected areas, from the upstream to the downstream zones. The prime minister stressed that his government, through all agencies concerned, has always paid attention to water problems and their solutions by learning on past lessons for improved measures. "I was reported that the precipitation situation in the country currently remains under control, particularly in main rivers, and water releases from upstream areas have not yet affected any area, but information on garbage disposals in proper ways is to be provided to local people to prevent waterways from being blocked off", said the prime minister. The Thai premier admitted, however, that the water reservation system in the country needs to be further improved. Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda told reporters, in the meantime, that agencies concerned have assessed the amount of water flowing from the Upper Thai North to the Lower Thai North and reported that the situation would be under control. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department warned of heavy downpours in Thailand's northern and upper northeastern regions during August 19-20, which could cause sudden floods or landslides, prompting all agencies concerned to be on high alert to cope with the situation in all aspects. (TNA)