Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

Thailand has commenced a new Royal Rainmaking Operation in Hua Hin to tackle hazardous PM2.5 air pollution affecting Bangkok, its surrounding provinces and northern regions. The initiative, led by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, officially began on 3 December 2025. Authorities aim to reduce airborne particulate matter and protect public health ahead of the busy year-end period.

 

The operation was inaugurated at the Hua Hin Air Royal Rainmaking Centre, Prachuap Khiri Khan, with Deputy Agriculture Minister Amin Ma Yuso presiding. Also attending were Department Director Rachen Silparaya, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Sitthichai Sawat Saen and other officials. The move responds to annual increases in PM2.5 from forest fires, construction, transport, and industrial activity, which pose significant health risks.

 

Rachen Silparaya explained that the Royal Rainmaking Department conducts weather modification not only to combat drought and increase water resources but also to mitigate haze, forest fires and fine particulate pollution. The 2026 fiscal year plan includes operations in Hua Hin and Rayong for Bangkok and surrounding areas using five aircraft, Khon Kaen for the northeast with two aircraft from 15 January and Tak and Phitsanulok for the north using two aircraft from 1 February. Flight plans are coordinated with Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to comply with international aviation regulations.

 

SaimRath reported that the rainmaking operations use three main techniques: initial cloud seeding with sodium chloride to form clouds, cloud enlargement with calcium oxide or calcium chloride to enhance particulate absorption and cooling of atmospheric inversion layers using dry ice to lift pollution to higher altitudes. Rachen emphasised that the department will carry out daily operations to safeguard public health and support tourism, aiming for improved air quality during the upcoming New Year holidays.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand launches rainmaking operations from 3 December 2025 to reduce PM2.5 in multiple regions.

• Techniques include cloud seeding, cloud enlargement, and dry ice cooling to remove airborne particulates.

• Operations are coordinated with aviation authorities to ensure safe and effective coverage.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Siamrath 2025-12-04

 

 

I am curious about this using rainmakers to reduce the air pollution. If the rain bring s the small particles down in rainwater. Doesn't this also mean those same particles will be dispersed into the drinking water and the general water supply thus being consumed by the people rather than being breathed in? 

i am curious if this is a correct assumption or if you all have information showing the benefit outweighs my theory. 

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

I am curious about this using rainmakers to reduce the air pollution. If the rain bring s the small particles down in rainwater. Doesn't this also mean those same particles will be dispersed into the drinking water and the general water supply thus being consumed by the people rather than being breathed in? 

i am curious if this is a correct assumption or if you all have information showing the benefit outweighs my theory. 

I think that IF it works to significantly reduce airborne pm2.5 particles where the particles end up will be irrelevant compared to the existing soil and water based content.

Bottled drinking water is unlikely to contain any such and few would  be drinking untreated and filtered water.

The next Floods Hua Hin

"initial cloud seeding with sodium chloride to form clouds, cloud enlargement with calcium oxide or calcium chloride to enhance particulate absorption and cooling of atmospheric inversion layers using dry ice to lift pollution to higher altitudes"

I prefer blue sky and sunny weather though. Think that is what most tourists are coming here for as well ..

As of this morning, no rain in Hua Hin yet.

On 12/14/2025 at 8:17 AM, JimHuaHin said:

As of this morning, no rain in Hua Hin yet.

:-)

21 hours ago, jaymiz52 said:

:-)

Update - still no rain!!

All the Gulf nations that meddled similarly with the weather, ended in in XXL floods and even snow that had disastrous consequences. To the sole difference that those countries are very rich and have the meains to repair the damage. One would dread a major flood or disaster to occur in Thailand that obviously does not have the same wallet as the Gulf nations.