The Cabinet on 17 August 2021 approved a budget of 490.6 million baht to drill large artesian water wells to provide sources of water for people affected by the drought crisis.

The amount will be used to finance the development of artesian projects to solve the drought problem, under royal initiatives. The nine projects, proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, are located in (1) Mueang district, Nakhon Pathom, (2) Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao, (3) Si Rattana, Si Sa Ket, (4) Pla Pak, Nakhon Phanom, (5) Mueang district, Nakhon Phanom, (6) Nakhu, Kalasin, (7) Li district, Lamphun, (8) San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai, and (9) Pak Phayun, Phatthalung.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had held public forums to discuss the issue with local residents, who agreed to the underground water projects.

It had decided to build 15 artesian wells for large farms. Out of this number, six have already been built. The ministry sought the Cabinet’s approval of 490.6 million baht on 17 August to drill the remaining nine projects.

When these projects have been carried out to cover all target areas, 18,420 families will benefit from the projects, covering 192,109 rai (about 76,843 acres) of farmland.

Source: The Government Public Relations Department