Hat yai: Chaiyanok visited Hat Yai to follow up on the Tomorrow.io pilot project, which aims to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and invited the public to participate in testing the service. Mr. Chaiyachanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), along with key officials, held a meeting at the Southern Meteorological Center in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, to discuss and follow up on the pilot project designed to enhance the efficiency of the meteorological satellite system.
According to Thai News Agency, the government has approved a pilot project to upgrade the weather forecasting and disaster warning system using the Tomorrow.io satellite platform in conjunction with the Meteorological Department's weather forecasting system. The operational plan has been monitored weekly throughout the three-month pilot project, from December 2025 to February 2026. Mr. Chaiyanok observed the project's implementation and highlighted the integrated data sharing among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society.
The Tomorrow.io system utilizes 11 Deep Sky satellites (Microwave Sounder) and is adding 2 more, bringing the total to 13, to enhance weather forecasting accuracy. It can transmit real-time data for up to one hour and includes a function to adjust the Flood Index to suit local conditions. This allows for targeted disaster warnings, even at the sub-district level, and provides a 7-day weather forecast. These features are expected to significantly improve the efficiency of weather forecasting and warning systems in Thailand.
Following discussions on February 10, 2026, it was found that local users require data on weather management and disaster response, including hourly rainfall data and water levels. This data will be linked to the Royal Irrigation Department's water management system. Prince of Songkla University (PSU) is interested in promoting a One Data Center to address public needs for weather forecast data, aiming to encourage participation in further development and innovation.
The pilot project can be expanded to include other warning systems, such as earthquake, lightning, and PM2.5 warnings, as well as maritime forecasting. This will help provide information for informed public decisions and create disaster response infrastructure. The system's trial period is being extended to other agencies and the public, with plans to disseminate disaster alert data through platforms like Line notifications and relevant websites in the area.