Deputy PM Suchart Issues Urgent Orders to Combat Drought, Ensure Fair Water Access

On February 23, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, issued urgent orders to the Department of Water Resources to prepare for hot and dry weather conditions that may cause water shortages for consumption and agriculture. The directive emphasizes preventive work and reducing potential impacts before a crisis emerges. The operation is under the leadership of Prime Minister Anupong Chanyaweerakul, focusing closely on monitoring and preparing for drought situations that could affect citizens' quality of life nationwide. The Water Resources Department has surveyed 294 surface water sources with a total capacity of 564.13 million cubic meters, currently holding 411.74 million cubic meters. The department has mobilized 394 water pumps, 22 water trucks, 64 transport vehicles, 30 excavators, and 8 sludge boats. They have established 11 water management centers, 139 clean water service points, and 245 water support points nationwide. Since October 2025, they have pumped over 7.50 million cubic meters of water, distributed nearly 1.9 million liters, helping over 37,000 households and 32,035 rai of agricultural land. Deputy PM Suchart emphasized, 'If water-scarce areas are identified, we must provide immediate assistance and minimize public suffering.'