Thailand copes with drought, floods

BANGKOK, June 18 (TNA) - Thailand now prepares for both drought in several parts and temporary flooding in some areas caused by impacts from a southwest monsoon. As the government has asked local farmers to postpone their main rice crop for a month to avoid impacts from the current drought in several areas, affected by the El Nino phenomenon, especially those in upstream zones, several Thai provinces are preparing for possible flooding from the ongoing monsoon. According to the Meteorological Department, the rather strong southwest monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea and part of Thailand until June 21, causing heavy downpours in the central, eastern and southwestern regions of the country with strong and high waves offshores. In Trang Province in the Thai South, strong winds and high waves damaged part of a dam in Kantang District, where some villagers of at least 20 households had to evacuate to safe areas as well and called for concerned agencies to help build a permanent dam to prevent damage to the soil in their community due to strong waves during the monsoon season. In Ranong Province, also in the Thai South, authorities at the Laem Son National Park ordered officials to put up red flags indicating danger on beaches in front of the national park and nearby beaches as a serious warning for tourists not to swim in the red-flag zones. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-Ocha assigned concerned parties to be well-preparaed for timely assistance to people affected by the moonson. (TNA)