Bangkok: The Royal Rainmaking Department is collaborating with the Ministry of Natural Resources to swiftly tackle forest fires in the North, employing helicopters to access remote areas for effective fire suppression.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Itthi Sirilathayakorn, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, highlighted the Cabinet’s approval of a central budget of 620 million baht to address forest fire, smog, and dust issues in 2025. The Prime Minister has instructed relevant agencies to use the budget efficiently and devise a plan to manage the PM 2.5 dust problem. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has been tasked with integrating efforts with other agencies to extinguish forest fires, with the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department playing a crucial role. The department is tasked with utilizing helicopters to scoop water to extinguish fires in locations inaccessible by foot.

Mr. Rachen Silpa-raya, Director-General of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, reported on the challenging operation in the Khao Banthat area, Trat Province, on February 1, 2025. The department deployed a Bell 407 helicopter equipped with a 500-liter water tank to combat a forest fire that had been raging for over two weeks. The area, near the border, was littered with more than 50 mines, making ground access impossible. The department’s helicopter missions were essential in extinguishing the fire within 1-3 days.

On April 5, 2025, the department extended its firefighting efforts to Chiang Mai Province, deploying helicopters to control fires in national forest reserves, as well as in Lamphun and Nakhon Nayok Provinces. These missions are part of ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges, including forest fires, smog, and PM 2.5 dust, which are largely attributed to human activities. Mr. Rachen appeals to the public to preserve the environment and reduce stubble burning, emphasizing that prevention is the most effective solution.