Chiang mai: The Royal Rainmaking Department has increased its fleet to seven aircraft to tackle wildfires and haze in northern Thailand. This move aims to alleviate the hazardous situation affecting the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, announced the deployment of additional aircraft as part of the ongoing efforts to combat forest fires and haze through cloud seeding operations by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The northern region, severely impacted by these environmental issues, is experiencing enhanced operations. Law enforcement is also being intensified to prevent unauthorized entry into forest areas, addressing the root causes of the problem.
Following instructions from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, a field visit to the Chiang Mai cloud seeding unit revealed that five aircraft are actively conducting cloud seeding operations in affected areas. Recent operations included 12 flights, leading to rainfall in regions such as Omkoi District, which provided some relief. However, ongoing dry weather conditions are challenging the effectiveness of these operations. Efforts are being made to improve outcomes by dispersing dry ice and spraying cold water to combat temperature inversions and aid particulate matter dispersal.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the addition of two more aircraft, bringing the total to seven, to intensify rainmaking operations across northern provinces. Each aircraft is expected to conduct 2-3 flights daily, totaling approximately 15-20 flights per day. Coordination between the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is crucial to enhance moisture levels and stimulate cloud formation swiftly. Ground firefighting teams, alongside units from the Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, are actively working to extinguish wildfires. The safety of lives remains a priority, with strict legal enforcement against unauthorized forest entry, as declared by governors of 17 provinces until April 30, 2026. Public awareness campaigns are being launched to inform and engage communities in overcoming the crisis promptly.