Thailand hit by severe drought

BANGKOK, March 10 (TNA) - Drought has become critical in many parts of Thailand. Several rivers have dried up and vast areas of farmland are being damaged. In the North, a 100-kilometre section of the Mae Tha River has become barren as farmers are forced to suspend farming activities on fears of a prolonged drought. In Chiang Mai province, fifteen districts have been declared drought-stricken areas, especially in Sa Moeng district. The disaster has also affected wildlife in the upper southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, especially wild elephants in the Kui Buri forest. Meanwhile, in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Phanom, drought-affected people have turned to producing dried geckoes for export. Locals say they can make up to 30,000 baht a month selling the lizards, which are priced at 30-70 baht each depending on size. (TNA)