RTAF is using its Alpha jet aircraft in its artificial rainmaking operations. Its tail section has ample room to accommodate sizable chemical loads sufficient for the cloud-seeding operations.

Water has been distributed to some drought-affected areas to solve the problem on a temporary basis.

Local authorities in Yasothon have distributed drinking water to thirsty villagers. It is estimated that the number of afflicted local residents has now surpassed 14,000 people.

In Khu Muang district, eucalyptus growers can sell fewer eucalyptus sprouts as farmers face an expanding drought and dare not to grow eucalyptus trees. The quick-growing cash-crop species is favoured for commercial forestry, but the trees 'drink up' large volumes of water that would otherwise be available for vegetable and fruit gardens, small-scale paddy irrigation, and household use.

In Kalasin, villagers living outside the specially-served royal irrigation system areas have also been affected by the drought, despite their proximity to adequately-served royal projects. Over 80,000 paddy fields, as well as cassava and sugar cane plantation are affected by the continuing water shortage .

Local authoriities are dispatching survey teams to assess damage that can be alleviated by urgent assistance. (BangkokPost.com, TNA)