Natural Resources Minister Suchat Mobilizes Nationwide Drought Relief, Assists Over 21,600 Households
Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry has mobilized nationwide drought relief efforts, assisting over 21,600 households across multiple provinces with emergency water supplies and equipment deployed by regional water resource offices.
On May 2, 2569, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has launched an urgent assistance program to support communities facing the severe drought crisis. The Department of Water Resources has been directed to mobilize nationwide resources to increase drinking and household water availability, support community water supply systems, and establish emergency water reserves in at-risk areas.
The ministry stressed that the government regards public welfare as paramount, particularly during this widespread drought emergency. All relevant agencies have been instructed to provide full support, including securing domestic water supplies, assisting the agricultural sector, and strengthening frontline personnel to alleviate public hardship as quickly as possible.
Theerachun Bunsit, Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, revealed that he has ordered all 11 regional water resource offices to closely monitor the situation and mobilize machinery, pumping equipment, water trucks, and various support systems to affected areas immediately. Operations focus on securing drinking and household water, production water for public utilities, and systematic agricultural assistance.
Relief operations continue across multiple provinces including Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Chumphon, Krabi, and Ubon Ratchathani, with water pump installations, clean water distribution, and comprehensive field support provided for both household consumption and agricultural use. Drinking water has also been supplied to wildfire-fighting personnel in vulnerable areas.
To date, the Department of Water Resources has successfully assisted over 21,600 households, representing approximately 43,200 people, and distributed nearly 2,000 bottles of drinking water to frontline wildfire personnel, demonstrating the ministry's proactive approach to mitigating drought impacts.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry reaffirms its commitment to continued assistance, ensuring adequate water availability for citizens, reducing hardship during this crisis, and establishing long-term national water security while standing beside the people in all circumstances.