Saving Water will be a Blessing for Thailand Bangkok

As a response to the severe drought problems faced by Thailand this year, prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged the Thai public to return to traditional modes of Thai New Year celebration which consist of a much less use of water - the "rod nam dam hua" ritual, where younger folk pour jasmine-scented water on the hands of their elders to ask for a blessing.

The government plans a campaign to support "water blessings" instead of the out-of-hand "water wars" that have consistently increased in scale over later times, also as a bequest for the public to return to the traditional origins of the festival.

While the Thai Royal Irrigation Department reported sufficient water in dams for general use and dam maintenance, many farmers do not have enough water to ensure a good rice crop - drought disaster zones have been declared in 46 districts of 12 provinces, and a hospital in the north-eastern province of Korat is already facing water shortages.

To remedy the situation, the government intends to launch "royal rainmaking operations" in March in the most severely affected areas, and to dig additional wells in the Chao Phraya river basin area, said reports by local media.

This year's Songkran festival, the Thai New Year, will be held April 13-15.