Mentors Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 The practice of sending out fleets of water trucks to drought-stricken rural areas to ease water shortages has been in around for decades, but with very limited success. This will be revived in days or weeks to come by the government. What is lacking is a long-term plan to ensure a sustainable solution to water shortages. Many people in Bangkok can count themselves lucky that water still flows out of the tap abundantly and free of charge, thanks to the generousity of the former Samak government -- a policy continued by the Democrat-led government. In contrast, quite a few of our less fortunate rural folks are feeling the pinch of a water shortage. Not only has tap water has stopped running, many natural water sources have dried up. And mind you, the hot summer is just beginning. It will be another two months or so before the first seasonal rains come â?? if they come on time. As a signal of an anticipated worsening water shortage, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives recently warned farmers in the Central Plains not to plant a second or third rice crop, as there will be no water to irrigate the plants. The cabinet last week assigned Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart to handle drought problem and to mete out measures to relieve the situation. Obviously, the Abhisit government has no time to think about a long-term plan to address the drought problem as it appears to be fully occupied with coping with the impact of the global economic meltdown and fending off the airwaves war and street protests by fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his red-shirt foot soldiers. So what can be expected from the government in the days or weeks to come is the same old practice of water shortage relief â?? water trucks will be sent out to drought-hit areas to distribute water to the needy. Artificial rain-making will also be attempted in areas where there is enough moisture to seed clouds. But despite all these anticipated efforts, many villagers will still have no access to water and have to strive alone to find water for their households of their cattle. The water shortage, which is expected to be worse than last year, will further compound the economic hardships felt or to be felt by rural people. Many of them may be driven to the cities in search of manual labour, mainly on construction sites. But the jobs they seek may not exist as a result of the economic contraction. But once in Bangkok, jobless migrant workers may be tempted to stay, rather than return to the country. At least they won't have to worry about finding water. An obsolete practice, distributing water by truck can offer only a limited reprieve. Fuel costs are also high. What is badly needed is a long-term solution to address both the twin problems of drought and flood, which have alternately wrought havoc in many parts of the country in recent years. The former Thaksin government conceived an ambitious project to address the two problems. It envisages the laying of a network of huge pipes drawing water from major rivers. Unfortunately, the project was never implemented. But with fresh and usable water likely to become even more scarce and demand certain to rise, this country will be hard-pressed to ensure adequate supplies for an increasing population with its existing water management and its complete lack of a long-term plan. As a starting point, the World Water Forum which is currently hapening in Istanbul, Turkey, may offer some valuable sustainable options. Thai auithorities should watch this meeting closely, rather than relying on an out-moded fleet of water trucks. http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/137670/sustainable-water-shortage-solution-needed had strong rain for half an hour two days ago in the South, but already draught again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WorldFun Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 Once the 'water supply' running into bkk reach 'critical level' I shall notify everyone will never happen though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 >Many people in Bangkok can count themselves lucky that water still flows out of the tap abundantly and free of charge, thanks to the generousity of the former Samak government -- a policy continued by the Democrat-led government. ...free of charge as long as you use less then 300 Baht per month. At the ranch we usually use less then 300 Baht per month unless we have some construction activities going on. Also, not usre how long this will last as the new gummit tried to squash this freebie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkoktraveler Posted March 17, 2009 Report Share Posted March 17, 2009 >Many people in Bangkok can count themselves lucky that water still flows out of the tap abundantly and free of charge, thanks to the generousity of the former Samak government -- a policy continued by the Democrat-led government. ...free of charge as long as you use less then 300 Baht per month. At the ranch we usually use less then 300 Baht per month unless we have some construction activities going on. Also, not usre how long this will last as the new gummit tried to squash this freebie! You can still bathe in the River. If you look closely, some of the Thai women bath daily in the nude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 >Many people in Bangkok can count themselves lucky that water still flows out of the tap abundantly and free of charge, thanks to the generousity of the former Samak government -- a policy continued by the Democrat-led government. ...free of charge as long as you use less then 300 Baht per month. At the ranch we usually use less then 300 Baht per month unless we have some construction activities going on. Also, not usre how long this will last as the new gummit tried to squash this freebie! Samak did the free water, reduced electricity fees and free buses as only a 3 month deal when he was facing problems. Surprisingly, the current govmt has kept them going for some time now. As I recall, Samak also made 3rd class coaches on local trains free too. Not sure if that is still in effect. p.s. Got a lecture from my taxi driver coming home today about how everything was absolutely wonderful under Mr T, and nobody else is worth a damn. He showed me his ID card in the We Love Taxi group and lamented how drug free the city supposedly was under Thaksin. "Police would just shoot them," he said fondly. In the Post today about another drug crackdown. Going to shoot people again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentors Posted March 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2009 The Knight comb down his white horse already... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WorldFun Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 seriously if they can get so much (drinkable) water into bkk how come certain provinces can't even get a bit? http://www.mwa.co.th/ewt/mwa_web/produce_e.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaiHome Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Because water doesn't flow uphill? TH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentors Posted March 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 seriously if they can get so much (drinkable) water into bkk how come certain provinces can't even get a bit?http://www.mwa.co.th/ewt/mwa_web/produce_e.html there are no water pipelines into the country side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WorldFun Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 well if down in bkk there's still plenty of water in the river it can only mean that upstream there's plenty too & noone bothered to 'nick it' all the way down from the north pipes or not well there's bound to be some where ever 'tap water' is installed, but somehow they can't get it flowing everywhere all year apparently pumps? acc. mwa they even bring out for 'free' in trucks just call their hotline if having run dry or not yet 'connected' - bet there's no exceptions like credit checks rights? :content: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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