Thailand Utilizes Rain-Making Flights to Combat Air Pollution.

Bangkok: The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok, its adjacent provinces, and some northern provinces has reportedly improved following the first day of rain-making flights conducted by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA). Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Itthi Sirilathayakorn, stated that the operations were initiated to mitigate the levels of PM2.5 fine particulate matter in Bangkok and nearby provinces, as well as those in the North. According to Lao News Agency, the Royal Rainmaking Operation Units in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Kanchanaburi provinces commenced their mission on December 2. Utilizing two Casa aircraft, the operation aimed to reduce the inverse temperature of the atmosphere by spraying 1,600 liters of cooled water into the air in a spiraling circle with a radius of 5-7 miles (8-11 kilometers) above areas in Phetchaburi and Samut Sakhon provinces. Itthi reported that following the operation, the overall AQI in Bangkok improved from the early morn ing of December 3, when it was at an unhealthy level of 154 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), down to a moderate level of 66 µg/m³. In the northern region, the Royal Rainmaking Operations Unit in Chiang Mai conducted flights around 5 pm on December 2, slightly reducing the AQI from 84 µg/m³ to 83 µg/m³. Rachen Silaraya, deputy director-general of operations at DRRAA, emphasized that this was a proactive measure to reduce air pollution. He also noted that the department plans to develop new technology and techniques to manage air quality more efficiently. Eleven provinces in Thailand have been reported to have PM2.5 levels in the red zone, posing significant health risks, with the worst affected areas being Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Pathom.