Khon Kaen provincial authorities have declared a drought emergency in 22 out of 26 districts, saying the dry spell had caused agricultural damage of about 700 million baht, thairath.com reported on Monday.

About 311,985 acres of agricultural land, 67 wells, and 55 plumbing systems have been damaged, causing 743,686,457.50 baht in damage, said Khon Kaen Mayor Somsuk Suwarnsujarit.

Mr Somsuk urged farmers to avoid double-planting and grow crops that require less water.

Khon Kaen is coordinating local organisations to provide water to drought victims and help encourage people to preserve water for drinking and growing crops, Mr Somsuk said.