Bangkok: The Cabinet has sanctioned a water fee of 50 satang per cubic meter for the usage of water from the Nong Thung Mon Reservoir. This decision follows reports highlighting increased water consumption by factories, water supply authorities, and non-agricultural enterprises.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet has endorsed the collection of fees for the Nong Thung Mon Reservoir. The proposal was put forth by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in response to the escalating use of water from irrigation canals for industrial and non-agricultural purposes, which has led to a reduction in the reservoir's water levels. Users will be required to pay fees for Category Two and Category Three water usage, which pertains to large-scale businesses that consume substantial quantities of water or might cause cross-basin impacts or affect extensive areas, at a rate of 50 satang per cubic meter.

The collection of irrigation fees is aimed at safeguarding irrigation waterways, controlling water quality and quantity, and ensuring effective water management and allocation. The Nong Thung Mon Reservoir currently has a capacity of 2.900 million cubic meters. Of this, 0.360 million cubic meters per year are utilized by the Charoensilp Municipality, while 2.540 million cubic meters per year are allocated for domestic, agricultural, and other usage. The total area benefiting from this water distribution spans 1,350 rai.