Water woes and strong Baht harm Thai leather industr
Reduced access to artesian water and the strong baht are damaging the Thai leather industry, according to Yutakiat Kiatsamutara, president of Thai Tanning Industry Association.
Mr Kiatsamutara explained that exports from tanneries were losing money as prices were usually quoted three months in advance in US dollars. He went on to say that the Mineral Resources Department's efforts to discourage use of artesian water had caused problems as the water pressure from tap supplies was too low and the high chlorine level damaged the leather. Also, the four million baht cost of drilling for artesian supplies was too steep. Further, the government, which is worried about the drawing of artesian water contributing to land subsidence, plans to raise the charge for artesian supplies in phases until it is more expensive than tap water.
