Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

Thailand, leading globally in weather modification, is broadening its royal rainmaking program, said Rachen Silparaya, Director-General of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation. This initiative aims to alleviate drought and bolster agriculture across the country. Despite its global recognition, Thailand's method remains challenging to replicate overseas due to technical requirements and the need for optimal weather conditions.

 

Typical rainmaking operations involve three specialized aircraft for cloud seeding, cloud development, and triggering rainfall, requiring a crew of at least seven per plane. Implementations using a single aircraft significantly lower success rates, whereas simultaneous operations enhance the probability of inducing rain. Between February 23 and August 26, 2025, 2,065 flights were conducted, resulting in rainfall during over 95% of operations, benefiting 141 million rai of farmland across 63 provinces.

 

In response to the ongoing demand for efficiency, five dry ice production facilities are under construction in Tak, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Buriram, and Phetchaburi provinces, each with a production capacity of one ton per hour. These are projected to be completed by early October, supporting the rainmaking activities. Experts emphasize the significance of these developments in advancing Thailand's agricultural stability amid climate uncertainties.

 

Going forward, Thailand plans to fine-tune its techniques to enhance efficiency while exploring international collaborations for knowledge exchange. The completion of the dry ice plants is expected to increase operational effectiveness, potentially setting a benchmark for other countries facing similar challenges.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand strengthens its leading position in rainmaking to combat drought.
• Over 2,000 flights in 2025 saw rainfall success in 95% of operations.
• New dry ice facilities aim to boost rainmaking efficiency by October.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-15

 

 

These people using the TaT abacus? IMHO it's all nonsense. If it worked the likes of drought ridden Austraila would have continued after trials in the 1960-70's.

 

Where is the drought in the middle of wet season. Someone trying to justify their job.

1 hour ago, GreasyFingers said:

Where is the drought in the middle of wet season. Someone trying to justify their job.

Wet season has just started IMO. Like the last 2 or three years the real wet has started late August/early Sept. Having said this though an image of flooding attatched to an article about drought is somewhat , again IMO, perplexing.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's method remains challenging to replicate overseas due to technical requirements and the need for optimal weather conditions.

Hard not to laugh. It works only when it's about to rain anyway.

 

Wouldn't it be cheaper & easier to simply give each farmer a truckfull of dry ice for him to spread on his fields?

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand, leading globally in weather modification

What ?

12 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Wet season has just started IMO. Like the last 2 or three years the real wet has started late August/early Sept. Having said this though an image of flooding attatched to an article about drought is somewhat , again IMO, perplexing.

Wet season has been going on since May up here, some rain almost every day. Just had 2 days without any but big storm last night again.

but but but......
ThEy ArE cOnTrAiLs

for those who deny reality
they been doing this for 2 years already
in some 3 year agreement with Indonesia

Look up.

15 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

What ?

Other sources report China, the USA, UAE and Russia as world leaders in cloud seeding and weather modification. Cloud seeding was originally invented in the USA with other countries adopting the practice with modifications for local conditions. 
 

cheers

14 hours ago, bdenner said:

If it worked the likes of drought ridden Austraila would have continued after trials in the 1960-70's.

 

Cloud seeding doesn't create clouds or rain from dry air. 

They are releasing excess water from seservoirs flooding folk further down stream and are talking about cloud seeding, has Thailand gone mad.

3 hours ago, Dcheech said:

Cloud seeding doesn't create clouds or rain from dry air. 

Um, forgive my ignorance, but what does it do?

It appears that those responsible for water mangement in Thailand don’t understand what they’re supposed to do. Two years of serious flooding in Chiang Rai and other locations in the country with nothing done to prevent it happening again or efforts to retain it. If it was managed in a serious manner they’d be no need to try and stimulate rainfall. You can’t help but laugh at  the level of incompetence of these people. 

Thailand's contribution to Global Warming. Shovelling dry ice out of aeroplanes.🤭

 

I should like to see the evidence that cloud-seeding operations were 95% successful.

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This initiative aims to alleviate drought and bolster agriculture across the country.

 

Today's Thaiger News (16/9/2025)

 

Heavy rain is forecast across Thailand as dozens of provinces brace for flash floods and landslides caused by intense weather sweeping through the country.

Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for flash floods and landslides, particularly in central and southern regions, including the capital.

Been pouring late arvo, early evenings mid Suphanburi last week +. It's called the rainy season.

6 hours ago, Dcheech said:

Cloud seeding doesn't create clouds or rain from dry air. 

Ah, but if tap water is added....magic.🙃🙃

2 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Um, forgive my ignorance, but what does it do?

It (makes) the clouds drop their water 

Aloha

We need the water, so we can waste 1000's of litres for a week in April.

7 hours ago, Dcheech said:

Cloud seeding doesn't create clouds or rain from dry air. 

Give the Australian CSIRO a break,they are not effin idiots.