Thailand scrambles to drill 4,300 more wells amid drought, water shortages

Bangkok

THAI authorities are rushing to drill thousands of wells across the country to ensure enough water for drinking and washing, as farmers grapple with a drought and a months-long water shortage.

Authorities examined the water supply and demand nationwide - taking into account needs for agriculture, industrial use and human consumption - and decided to drill 4,300 more wells, said Suphot Tovichakchaikul, secretary of the National Water Board, comprised of water officials and chaired by the prime minister. "The most effective way to make sure that people have water to use this dry season is to drill underground wells," Mr Suphot, who is also chief of the Department of Water Resources, said in an interview in his office on Tuesday.