Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered authorities to produce artificial rain to ensure there is sufficient water in the dams for tap water production.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Sunday that Royal Rain Making Operations Centres nationwide are preparing rainmaking operations in response to Gen Prayut's directive. He did not elaborate on when operations will start.
Rainmaking flights will take place around upstream dams where water will be added to them, according to Maj Gen Sansern.
The operations aim to tackle the drought problem, he said, adding that water will be distributed in the most stricken areas.
The high humidity after the heavy rainfall over the weekend was conducive for artificial rain operations, Maj Gen Sansern said.
The spokesman said Gen Prayut cares for people who have been affected by floods caused by the torrential rains over the past few days. The premier ordered local authorities and military officers to intensify their efforts to help affected people, he added.
On Saturday, several parts of Thailand were hit by storms and heavy rains, resulting in flooding and traffic snarl-ups in Bangkok. Thunderstorms wreaked havoc in many northern and northeastern provinces.
Torrential rain resulted from southeastern and northeastern monsoons as well as winds from the west, according to the Hydro and Agro-Informatics Institute.
Meanwhile, Thanasak Wattanathana, the governor of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), said he would like to thank Thais who are doing their part in conserving water.
The MWA launched a water consumption awareness programme nationwide, urging people to save as much water as they can to ensure there is enough water throughout the year.
He said a report shows the level of water use per capita has decreased in many provinces, which he believes is the result of the conservation awareness programme.
The MWA has expanded its service to ensure people gain access to a safe and clean water supply in line with the government policy, he added.
Mr Thanasak urged people to continue their efforts to conserve water until the rains come. He said current water levels in the dams should be sufficient for consumption until July.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Thammanoon Withee, commander of 9th Infantry Division Surasi Military Camp in Kanchanaburi province, has ordered troops to add water to areas near Moo 5 of Ban Kaengplakod village in tambon Sadao of Muang district to help heat-stricken, thirsty elephants.
A combined team of military officers and local authorities transported seven trucks of water and poured it into ponds in the village Sunday.
The village is close to Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary where more than 250 elephants live.
The animals usually stroll across Kanchanaburi, passing through the village to drink water in the Khwae Yai River.
However, the receding river from the drought has forced them to stray into the village to drink water from jars and ponds and eat produce from the farms.
