PATTAYA, Thailand – The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has stepped up its operations, deploying a total of seven aircraft to support efforts to alleviate forest fires, haze, and fine dust pollution across Northern Thailand, authorities confirmed on April 5.
The Ministry of Interior said the increased aerial support aims to ease worsening environmental conditions in several Northern provinces, where persistent forest fires and seasonal haze have severely impacted air quality.
According to officials, the rainmaking fleet was recently expanded from five to seven aircraft, allowing for intensified operations across affected areas. The aircraft conducted 12 flights yesterday, with additional sorties planned to reach approximately 15–20 operations per day.
In some areas, including Omkoi district in Chiang Mai, rainfall has already helped ease conditions to some extent. However, officials noted that dry atmospheric conditions and temperature inversions continue to limit the effectiveness of cloud-seeding operations.
Authorities also stated that pilots are using techniques such as dry ice and cooling sprays to reduce atmospheric temperatures and encourage cloud formation, helping disperse accumulated pollutants.
The Interior Ministry added that the rainmaking operations are being carried out in coordination with disaster prevention agencies, local administrative bodies, and forestry and national park enforcement units, alongside ground firefighting teams and volunteer networks.
Officials emphasized that law enforcement is being strictly applied against individuals violating provincial forest entry bans, which remain in force across 17 northern provinces until April 30. Public communication efforts are also being intensified through community broadcasting systems, radio, and local networks to raise awareness and encourage cooperation in tackling the crisis. (TNA)
