BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has ordered urgent nationwide drought relief, accelerated clean water distribution to households, and pledged support for citizens in the most affected areas.
On May 2, 2026, the Minister directed the Department of Water Resources to mobilize all available resources nationwide. The initiative aims to increase water supplies for consumption, support village waterworks, and secure raw water reserves in high-risk areas.
The Minister emphasized that the government prioritizes citizens’ quality of life as drought impacts expand. He instructed agencies to provide maximum assistance by securing water for domestic use, supporting agriculture, and deploying personnel to alleviate hardship quickly.
Director-General Teerachun Bunsith stated that Regional Water Resources Offices are on high alert. Machinery, water pumps, and trucks have been deployed to address local needs. Efforts are systematically managed to ensure sufficient raw water for tap water production and agriculture.
Relief operations are underway in several provinces, including Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Chumphon, Krabi, and Ubon Ratchaburi. Activities include installing water pumps, distributing clean water, providing field support, and supplying drinking water to forest fire-fighting personnel in high-risk zones.
The Department of Water Resources has assisted over 21,600 households, benefiting more than 43,200 individuals. Nearly 2,000 bottles of drinking water have also been supplied to front-line forest fire-fighters, reflecting the Ministry’s proactive approach to drought relief.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing aid, ensuring adequate water supplies for all citizens, reducing hardship during this crisis, and strengthening long-term national water security. (NNT)
