Low flow in Mekong River affects water transport
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=8479
CHIANG RAI, Feb 5 (TNA) Water level in the Mekong River in the northern province of Chiang Rai was way below normal even though summer has not yet begun, affecting water transport, according to a border official.
Chiang Saen Customs House chief Winai Chinthongprasert said Chiang Rai is expected to face severe drought conditions as seen from the water level in the Mekong River which had decreased dramatically and a summer which might came sooner than in previous years.
"As the water level was below sandbars and rocks, cargo ships transporting goods between Thailand and China face difficulty in navigating and docking at Chiang Saen, the main port of the province. Ships have been forced to reduce cargo loads by half to avoid running aground", Mr. Winai said.
The Chiang Sean Customs House chief added that goods imported via Chiang Saen port have fallen to Bt65 million in January, down 37 per cent compared to same period last year, which was valued at Bt102 million. Exports also dropped to Bt1.8 billion, from Bt2.5 billion last year.
If a drought is prolonged, he said, the overall income at Chiang Sean Customs House will also drop. (TNA)
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