Bangkok- Thailand has declared a drought in 25 of its 76 provinces, affecting 2.7 million people, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office announced Monday.

Several districts in Ubon Ratchathani in the north-east and Ranong in the south were added to the growing list of drought-hit provinces Monday, the office revealed.

Drought is typical during Thailand's hot season from February to April, but this year the drought has come sooner, meteorologists have noted. (dpa)