Thailand prepares for coping with drought

BANGKOK, October 2 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Interior, is preparing measures to cope with drought next year, which is expected to last longer than this year. Thai Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda told journalists that he has ordered authorities in all provinces to prepare adequate relief measures, as updated information led to the prediction that drought in 2015 should start sooner and be longer and severer than that of this year. General Anupong said the measures include water distribution to drought-stricken areas and suppression on crime in the upcoming dry season such as the theft of water pumps and farming tools, which would, otherwise, compound the plights of local farmers. Other measures, the interior minister stated, cover health promotion to protect people from epidemics of the dry season and waterworks authorities' attempts to find sources of clean water to serve local consumers. According to the interior minister, he has also ordered provincial agricultural officials to convince local farmers to grow plants that needed less water, while rain-making may be launched and local administrative organizations will maintain sources of water and persuade people to save water. The interior minister has also instructed provincial authorities to work out their local drought solution plans within October 30. (TNA)