A total of 8,711 villages in 213 districts of 35 provinces across the country are suffering from water shortages, according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.
Of the 35 provinces, 11 are in need of water for home consumption: Nan, Phichit, Lamphun, Tak, Surin, Chai Nat, Saraburi, Chon Buri, Trang, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phangnga.
Eight provinces -- Chiang Mai, Phayao, Sukhothai, Nakhon Phanom, Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram, Kanchanaburi and Chanthaburi -- are short of water for agriculture.
Sixteen provinces -- Uttaradit, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phetchaburi, Trat, Satun, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Suphan Buri, Sa Kaeo, Khon Kaen, Prachin Buri, Lampang, Uthai Thani and Kamphaeng Phet -- are in need of water for both consumption and agriculture.
Department chief Chatchai Promlert said on Thursday that with assistance from local military units water had been pumped to the affected villages, both for production of tap water and agriculture.
He urged farmers to closely follow weather forecasts by the Meteorological Department so they properly prepare their farming plans in line with the weather and availability of water in their respective areas.
