CHAI NAT -- Many areas of this central province are already being hit by water shortages, arousing fears this year's drought may be as serious as last year's.
In tambon Rai Patthana of Manorom district, the tap water supply to households in many villages is already being limited to only four hours per day, showing how serious an extended dry season, or poor rains, could be.
Residents of Moo 1 village said household supply in tambon Rai Patthana is produced from artesian water. The reduction of tap water production shows the availability of raw water has dropped and a drought is looming.
In many villages in the tambon tap water is running from 5am to 9am only, forcing people to fill and store containers for use during the day and overnight.
People have resorted to buying drinking water at 10 baht per bottle from elsewhere.
With some months until even the regular rains are due, this has caused them to worry that this year's drought may be as serious as last year.