Thailand ensures sufficient water supply for water festival

Water stocks in four major reservoirs which are the main sources of water in Thailand's major river basin are currently enough to support the usage during the water festival, Thai Royal Irrigation Department revealed on Tuesday.

The Royal Irrigation Department ensured sufficient water supply for the Songkran Festival, the water splashing festival celebrating the new solar year, adding that the water usage in Bangkok will drop by 5 percent since most people prefer to go back to their hometowns in other provinces.

Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima, the two provinces in northeastern Thailand, will face an increase of water usage of 10 percent during the festival, yet are not considered to be hit by water shortage, according to the royal irrigation department.

Statistics unveiled by Metropolitan Waterworks Authority show that the water usage of Bangkok in the past three years stands at 4.5 million to 5.2 million cubic meters per day by average, which is 10 percent to 20 percent less than the daily use as many people go home and most shops close.

Thailand has been hit by the most severe drought during two decades. As many as 76 districts in various provinces including Bangkok are facing the risk of water shortages over the next few months.

A drought crisis is imminent if significant rainfall does not arrive soon.

Throwing water is the highlight of the Songkran festival, which usually runs between April 13 and April 15. Conserving water has been made an urgent national priority to cope with a water shortage crisis.

Officials realize the importance of preserving culture and traditions as well as saving water. They encourage people to enjoy the festival in a traditional way by using a small bowl to pour water, instead of a bucket.