the 2 weeks have already passed and i never knew because my neighborhood doesn't get regulated like the 'other' neighborhoods.. I was kinda wondering why the taxi guys smelled a little funky..
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http://thaivisa.com/index.php?514&ba...10&tt_news=708
Shower ban in Bangkok due to extreme water shortage
A designated shower cabin outside the British Embassy in Bangkok on Wednesday. Illegal showers at home will result in a fine of 2,000 Baht, says Pol. Lt. Kikiet Ab-Nahm of the Chiang Mai Waterworks (below). The current extreme water shortage in Bangkok has prohibited taking a shower at Bangkok homes.
Water zoning until Songkran
BANGKOK: Minister for Water Resources, Khun Nammaimee Sai Namkhangdooay today announced stringent new rules on water management, following the nationwide water shortage related to the emptying of the Maekhong River.
The Government has issued a total shower ban from this morning 04.30 am until further notice. Bangkok residents will not be allowed to use tap water for showers or baths until the water situation stabilizes.
Public shower cabins in downtown Bangkok
To facilitate bangkokians personal hygiene, designated shower booths have been placed outside most 7-Eleven outlets and body massage parlours throughout Bangkok. Shower facilities are also beeing set up outside the British and American Embassies, at the Bangkok Bank head office at Silom Road and outside the Immigration head quarters at Soi Suan Phlu.
The shower booths can be used free of charge for Thai citizens, but all foreigners are required to bring a certified copy of their passport, visa page and TM card and pay a fee of 200 Baht every day they shower at the shower cabins. Shower tickets ("Baat Ab-Naam") for aliens will be sold from 04.30am today at all BTS stations in the Bangkok Metropolitan area.
Nationwide water restrictions
Further water restrictions will be enforced in all provinces, Khun Namkhaengduay added. He was considering introducing water preservation laws, by decree, when Cabinet meets on April 2. The Prime Minister, and Thai Rak Thai leader agreed in principle with the following new regulations:
- No home showers for any person aged over 18 except on Saturdays and festival days.
- No ice to be made for hotels, bars, restaurants and guesthouses
- No hot water services to be installed tested or run
- No births to be undertaken, except in emergency
- A complete ban on the sale of soup
Even in the North provinces the water shortage is also a problem. Currently Thailand still has minor water flow, however China and the Laos PDR have both seen the Maekhong river empty completely over the past 3 weeks. As a direct result, according to Khun Kikiet Ab-nam of the Chiang Mai Waterworks, causing the river to overflow.
Local Chiang Saen resident, Khun Lonmakh, aged 69, said he had never seen such a low water level in the river, and reported that last Thursday, one Chinese crew were seen getting out of their apple boat, and pushing it across the mudflats, where until two weeks ago, the water was up to 2 metres in depth.
Thailands Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Khun Maekhong sai Namkhang has applauded the move by the government, announcing an official visit will be made to the shower facilities by the Secretary to The Minister for Water Resources, Khun Aownam na Krubphom accompanied by a delegation of 3 engineers.
"We will also donate to them, 3 converted petrol tankers, for transportation of water, to demonstrate our solidarity in this troublesome time for all Thais" he announced at a press conference held outside the new shower facilities outside the American Embassy.
NON-ABIDING FOREIGNERS WILL BE PROSECUTED
The new regulation will take effect from today April 1, 2004 until Songkran. Foreigners who illegally use their own home showers during the water shortage, will be fined 2,000 Baht and will have their visas revoked.
