Community Royal Rainmaking Department Battles to Combat Drought

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna.

 

The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department is stepping up efforts to combat drought and mitigate its regular adverse effects on Thailand’s agricultural sector. Officials have confirmed that water produced through artificial rain, or “royal rainmaking,” is of comparable quality to natural rainfall and is safe for both consumption and agricultural use.

 

Speaking to the media on 7 September, Mr Rachen Silparaya, Director-General of the department, stated that Thailand ranks first globally in weather modification techniques aimed at generating rain. While several countries are keen to learn from Thailand’s expertise, practical application remains limited due to the technical expertise required and the need to consider weather conditions, humidity and cloud formations.

 

Each rainmaking operation typically requires three aircraft. The first flight “disturbs” the clouds, the second “feeds” the clouds to increase their density and the third targets the clouds to produce rain. With only one aircraft, all three stages must be flown sequentially, reducing the likelihood of success compared to using three planes simultaneously. Each aircraft carries at least seven personnel, including two pilots, one scientist, two chemical handlers and two operators deploying the rainmaking agents.

 

Materials used in the process include sea salt, sodium chloride, calcium compounds, urea, dry ice and silver iodide. “Disturbing” clouds uses table salt (NaCl), a common, environmentally harmless substance. Cloud “feeding” employs calcium chloride and calcium oxide, which do not contribute to heavy metal contamination. The final “targeting” stage uses salt, urea (a common agricultural fertiliser), dry ice and silver iodide (AgI), the latter in very small quantities that disperse widely in the atmosphere, posing minimal risk to humans, animals, and the environment.

 

Concerns regarding the safety of rainwater produced through artificial means have been addressed. Analyses indicate that the water meets World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards for agricultural use, and all relevant Thai regulatory standards. Mr Rachen emphasised: “Artificial rainwater is safe to drink and can be used in all typical ways without risk to humans, animals or plants. The substances used are natural and applied in very small amounts, ensuring no environmental or biological hazard.”

 

Between 23 February and 26 August 2025, the department conducted 2,065 flights over 161 operational days, using 1,635.15 tonnes of rainmaking agents and 965 flares. These operations produced rain in 95.65% of cases, benefiting 141.94 million rai of agricultural land across 63 provinces.

 

To enhance efficiency, the department is constructing five dry ice production plants, with a combined output of one tonne per hour, located in Tak, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Buriram, and Phetchaburi. Completion is expected in early October, reducing reliance on donated supplies from PTT Public Company Limited.

 

Looking ahead, alternative rainmaking methods such as weather modification rockets, employed by countries like China, are being considered. While rockets offer lower costs and access to challenging terrains, they lack the precision of aircraft-based methods. Thailand’s complex geography and proximity to neighbouring countries mean further development is required before rockets can be safely deployed.

 

Mr Rachen concluded that while rocket-based approaches could complement aircraft operations, they will not replace traditional rainmaking flights, ensuring safety and effectiveness remain paramount.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-09-08

 

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

Good timing to read about drought while here all crop is soaked with water. 😁

[bkk6060]

Hub of rain making.

[JoePai]

Anyone would think they invented it !

[impulse]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The final “targeting” stage uses salt, urea (a common agricultural fertiliser), dry ice and silver iodide (AgI), the latter in very small quantities that disperse widely in the atmosphere, posing minimal risk to humans, animals, and the environment.

 

So basically, they're pissing on people and calling it rain.

 

[watchcat]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department is stepping up efforts to combat drought

 

What drought, it's more or less raining every day, mostly night time though.

[Bert got kinky]

 

I will have to tell the wife about this but at the moment she is downstairs in the living room, knee deep in last nights flood water.

She will be chuffed to NAAFI breaks with this news.

 

[WHansen]

11 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Our technique is so high tech other countries want to learn from us.

[Xonax]

Dont mess with nature!

[Ralf001]

my back yard had 300mm of water in the last night.... rain making is working!

[Sir Dude]

This rain-making thing is all very well and has good optics for the public etc... but, problem is, you need clouds in the first place to seed, and without them, it's a moot point.

[Dan O]

On 9/8/2025 at 4:25 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna.

 

The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department is stepping up efforts to combat drought and mitigate its regular adverse effects on Thailand’s agricultural sector. Officials have confirmed that water produced through artificial rain, or “royal rainmaking,” is of comparable quality to natural rainfall and is safe for both consumption and agricultural use.

 

Speaking to the media on 7 September, Mr Rachen Silparaya, Director-General of the department, stated that Thailand ranks first globally in weather modification techniques aimed at generating rain. While several countries are keen to learn from Thailand’s expertise, practical application remains limited due to the technical expertise required and the need to consider weather conditions, humidity and cloud formations.

 

Each rainmaking operation typically requires three aircraft. The first flight “disturbs” the clouds, the second “feeds” the clouds to increase their density and the third targets the clouds to produce rain. With only one aircraft, all three stages must be flown sequentially, reducing the likelihood of success compared to using three planes simultaneously. Each aircraft carries at least seven personnel, including two pilots, one scientist, two chemical handlers and two operators deploying the rainmaking agents.

 

Materials used in the process include sea salt, sodium chloride, calcium compounds, urea, dry ice and silver iodide. “Disturbing” clouds uses table salt (NaCl), a common, environmentally harmless substance. Cloud “feeding” employs calcium chloride and calcium oxide, which do not contribute to heavy metal contamination. The final “targeting” stage uses salt, urea (a common agricultural fertiliser), dry ice and silver iodide (AgI), the latter in very small quantities that disperse widely in the atmosphere, posing minimal risk to humans, animals, and the environment.

 

Concerns regarding the safety of rainwater produced through artificial means have been addressed. Analyses indicate that the water meets World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards for agricultural use, and all relevant Thai regulatory standards. Mr Rachen emphasised: “Artificial rainwater is safe to drink and can be used in all typical ways without risk to humans, animals or plants. The substances used are natural and applied in very small amounts, ensuring no environmental or biological hazard.”

 

Between 23 February and 26 August 2025, the department conducted 2,065 flights over 161 operational days, using 1,635.15 tonnes of rainmaking agents and 965 flares. These operations produced rain in 95.65% of cases, benefiting 141.94 million rai of agricultural land across 63 provinces.

 

To enhance efficiency, the department is constructing five dry ice production plants, with a combined output of one tonne per hour, located in Tak, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Buriram, and Phetchaburi. Completion is expected in early October, reducing reliance on donated supplies from PTT Public Company Limited.

 

Looking ahead, alternative rainmaking methods such as weather modification rockets, employed by countries like China, are being considered. While rockets offer lower costs and access to challenging terrains, they lack the precision of aircraft-based methods. Thailand’s complex geography and proximity to neighbouring countries mean further development is required before rockets can be safely deployed.

 

Mr Rachen concluded that while rocket-based approaches could complement aircraft operations, they will not replace traditional rainmaking flights, ensuring safety and effectiveness remain paramount.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-09-08

 

 

 

Interesting how Thailand claims to be the world expert in raining making but then states they lack the ability technically to do  it in the next sentence.   Perhaps they should look out the window as it seems we have plenty of rain without their expertise

[JimHuaHin]

12 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

This rain-making thing is all very well and has good optics for the public etc... but, problem is, you need clouds in the first place to seed, and without them, it's a moot point.

Strange about that minor detail .... clouds required.

 

I recall seeing an "information" video several years ago on rain making efforts in the north eastern region.  But, unlike in the picture above, the two plane were seeding empty skies, not a cloud in site.

[Dan O]

4 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Strange about that minor detail .... clouds required.

 

I recall seeing an "information" video several years ago on rain making efforts in the north eastern region.  But, unlike in the picture above, the two plane were seeding empty skies, not a cloud in site.

Yeah its much easier for rain to come when you already have rain clouds. No seeding necessary. 

[kimamey]

On 9/8/2025 at 7:58 AM, impulse said:

 

So basically, they're pissing on people and calling it rain.

 

I wouldn't put it past them, but I assume it's urea produce in the same way as for fertiliser and skin creams. I think it's produced from carbon dioxide and ammonia but that might be wrong. It's used in Adblue for diesel engines as well.

[kimamey]

On 9/8/2025 at 8:08 AM, Bert got kinky said:

 

I will have to tell the wife about this but at the moment she is downstairs in the living room, knee deep in last nights flood water.

She will be chuffed to NAAFI breaks with this news.

 

I'd wait a while if I were you.  A long while. 

I don't know where you are but that looks bad. 

I hope you get it sorted ok.

[richard_smith237]

On 9/8/2025 at 1:43 AM, KhunBENQ said:

Good timing to read about drought while here all crop is soaked with water. 😁

 

I'd call it a swimming success !!!!...   

 

Really though -  such an issue in the tropics of all places !!!...    I'm not completely versed on the hydralogical policies of Thailand, but understand that one of the central challenges is that during the monsoon season, runoff carries such high loads of silt and clay that it becomes difficult to divert and store efficiently in reservoirs. Sedimentation reduces storage capacity, clogs canals, and complicates long-term water retention - leaving the country paradoxically vulnerable to both drought and flood.

 

There are solutions, though. Better upstream soil management could reduce the amount of silt entering waterways in the first place.

 

Reservoirs can also be designed with sediment traps or flushing systems to extend their capacity. In some regions, managed aquifer recharge - diverting floodwater underground instead of relying only on surface reservoirs - has helped store clean water with less sediment.

 

Coupling these with reforestation and catchment restoration projects would not only slow runoff and erosion but also improve water quality downstream.

 

Surely better that cloud seeding throughout the rest of the year, no ?   It seems with such policies (to cloud seed) authorities take the short-cut rather than carrying out effective real solutions that require effort and solid management.

[GreasyFingers]

Wasn't there an article in the past week that said the major dams were full above their design capacity and would need to release water that could cause flooding? Or maybe I read it elsewhere.

[Crossy]

I'm saying nowt ...