40 per cent of water vending machines fail to meet standard

BANGKOK, May 23 (TNA) – The last year survey by the Department of Health found that about 40 per cent of drinking water vending machines failed to meet the required standard, said Health Department Deputy Director Danai Theewanda. He said that the criteria to check drinking water quality from vending machines included potential of hydrogen, turbidity and bacteria contamination. Contaminated water could cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal tract diseases. Consumers should notice cleanliness of the vending machines and the surrounding place where the machines are installed, he said adding that the vending machines must also have certified stickers and details on regular water quality inspection. Under the regulation of the public health ministry, the operators of drinking water vending machine businesses must seek permission from local authorities. A violator is subject to six months in prison or/and faces a maximum fine of 10,000 baht. The deputy-director said anyone, who finds below –standard drinking water vending machines can report to local authorities for further inspection. (TNA)