Thai King Permits Queensland, Australia, To Use His Artificial Rainmaking Technology

[naiharn]

Yes, I did read what she said carefully, I was trying to make a point without getting banned by suggesting that the method used here in Thailand is exactly the same as the method used in the US during the 50s and was given to the Thai government during the 60s for military purposes.

Do you have a source for that claim? I can find no mention anywhere on the web that shows Americans using either of the two technologies for which the King holds patents.

Then you didn't look very hard

American Vincent Schaefer discovered the principle of cloud seeding in July 1946.

He obtained a patent for this process in 1948: http://www.google.co...nts?vid=2527230

US Patent no 2,527,320

HM the King's rainmaking patents are based on the above work.

In 1955 the King became the world's first to hold a patent when he invented the original 'sandwich' rainmaking technology,

Do you have a reference for this? The only patents I can find were a LONG LONG time after 1955.

According to wikipedia the rainmaking patents were awarded in 1999 and 2003.

[cmsally]

Yes, I did read what she said carefully, I was trying to make a point without getting banned by suggesting that the method used here in Thailand is exactly the same as the method used in the US during the 50s and was given to the Thai government during the 60s for military purposes.

Do you have a source for that claim? I can find no mention anywhere on the web that shows Americans using either of the two technologies for which the King holds patents.

Then you didn't look very hard

American Vincent Schaefer discovered the principle of cloud seeding in July 1946.

He obtained a patent for this process in 1948: http://www.google.co...nts?vid=2527230

US Patent no 2,527,320

HM the King's rainmaking patents are based on the above work.

In 1955 the King became the world's first to hold a patent when he invented the original 'sandwich' rainmaking technology,

Do you have a reference for this? The only patents I can find were a LONG LONG time after 1955.

According to wikipedia the rainmaking patents were awarded in 1999 and 2003.

Actually if you search the Euro Patent Office and assoc. lit. you will find the technique was developed in 1999, submitted in 2003 and published in 2006. It is one patent for the ('super sandwiching technique").

Edited August 8, 2010 by cmsally

[BSJ]

Why can't we agree it is a kind gesture from HM to the people of Queensland. Sure there have been recent floods inland. Rivers of water have flown South or been absorbed by the earth to end up in some future year in the great artesian basin. But there are ongoing water supply problems. I was in Cairns 3 weeks ago and I travelled around the district, and up to Port Douglas and it's dry. There isn't enough rain. So anything that can bring forth water from the sky is welcome!

[tominbkk]

This is invented by the King of Thailand. Others are just copy cat.

That's a big statement....can you reference it? Do you have proof?

[tominbkk]

I'm sure the king's efforts are appreciated by all, including the scientific community. Nevertheless cloud-seeding programs have been undertaken in many countries for many years, with inconclusive results... at best. In a lengthy article on the subject in Encyclopedia Britannia, Thailand is not mentioned once.

It is time to ban and block Encyclopedia Britannia for not telling the truth.

Everyone here agrees 100% that "Royal Rain or Fon Luang" is a process developed by our Thai King, and there is a patent under his name.

Care to disagree?

The Thai answer to disagreements....censorship! No wonder so many Thais have such low critical thinking and independent learning skills..

[tominbkk]

After a quick search, I can't find a single mention of this exciting development in the Australian media. Granted there is a national election campaign in progress, but, still not a sausage. Does anyone have a link to an article on the subject from an aussie viewpoint?

Edited August 8, 2010 by tominbkk

[tominbkk]

In 1955 the King became the world's first to hold a patent when he invented the original 'sandwich' rainmaking technology, in which two planes seed warm and cool clouds at differing altitudes, causing vapour droplets to form and fall to earth as rain. He continued his rainmaking research and earned further patents, the most recent in 2004.

How and where did he learn this? Did he get a meteorology degree? It's all quite technical, surpised and impressed by his omnipotent knowledge of the world.

[naiharn]

You'd think this exciting news would also be the subject of an announcement from the Queensland Government itself.

But a check at http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementSearch.aspx

reveals disappointingly few announcements on the subject.

[orpheus454]

"The Premier stated in HIS letter" ummmmmmmmmmm I thought the Quessland premier was a Ms Anna Bligh

Absolutely correct. Anna made history on 21 March 2009 when she became the first elected female Premier of Australia (Queensland).......

Long live the King!

What about Carmen Lawrence and Joan Kirner?

[edwardandtubs]

No mention at all has been made in the Australian media or by the Australian authorities about this. Could it be that a kind gesture was made by His Majesty but that the Australians don't actually need to use this technique? Weather modification is already used in Australia and other countries. The one technique that is referred to by the Thai media is certainly not the cure for all droughts, especially not over such a massive land area as Queensland.

[march]

You'd think this exciting news would also be the subject of an announcement from the Queensland Government itself.

No mention at all has been made in the Australian media or by the Australian authorities about this.

From The Sydney Morning Herald (third largest newspaper in Australia)

Thai rain making comes to Qld

A rain-making method developed by Thai King Bhumipol Adulyadej is set to aid Queensland in battles with drought after an agreement between the state government and the Thai royal household.

The Queensland government's access to the rain-making technology, developed by King Bhumipol over the past 30 years, came a year after the state approached the royal household last year.

As a result, Queensland is set to be the first major region outside Thailand where the rain-making technology will be put into full effect.

In the past, Australia had joined other nations requesting information exchange and technology on the technique.

But Soothiporn Jitmittraparp, Secretary-General of the National Research Council of Thailand, said similarities in topography in Thailand and Queensland would be beneficial to the success of the project.

"The climate and geology of Queensland drought area is very similar to some parts of Thailand. So we're quite sure this technology can be used effectively in Queensland," Soothiporn told AAP.

The technique largely relies on cloud seeding generally undertaken using chemicals that promote the formation of water droplets within the cloud formations.

The chemical cloud seeding in turn creates clouds with differing temperatures at different altitudes.

There are several stages in the process, with sodium chloride used in the final stage to trigger rain.

"If that kind of cloud is set up in a very good condition, then the cloud will condense into water and the rain will begin falling," Soothiporn said.

In Thailand, the cloud-seeding method has been applied in the largely drought-affected north-east of the country as well as boosting water volume in dams and reservoirs and aiding reforestation programs.

Mr Soothiporn said the agreement is also set to boost bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Australia in areas of meteorology and weather programs.

Talks between the state government and the Thai royal household began in 2009 but an agreement was reached only in June.

It allows for exchange of scientists to study the rain-making methods.

The technique was recognised in 2005 and covered by patents in 30 European countries.

Reports said Queensland Premier Anna Bligh had recently forwarded a letter to King Bhumipol, now 83, acknowledging the assistance for access to the techniques.

Queensland initially made the request for assistance when the state was more than 35 per cent drought affected in 2009.

But heavy rains across the region over the first half of this year has left less than two per cent of coverage still affected.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/thai-rain-making-comes-to-qld-20100808-11q5f.html

Edited August 8, 2010 by march

[Hardie]

Australia has been experimenting with weather modification since 1903, and will no doubt continue. Obviously they see value in the 'Royal' Technique, as did EPO and most of us. That still doesn't prove how well it really works, much less whether it's cost effective and environmentally benign. It's difficult to create controlled experiments with which to test weather modification. At best you're probably just robbing Peter to pay Paul, since increased rain over one area will likely reduce it over another. That's tricky business. If this COULD be controlled, of course, its value would be enormous in mitigating the effects of global climate change. Australia, being a large and politically unified (read: 'empty') country is in a unique situation for trials in this area.

Nationalistic loyalties and loosely-based hagiographies asides, with any unproven technology- which weather modification is- it's probably best to maintain a healthy skepticism until realistic conclusions can be drawn. Until somebody figures out how to actually create dihydrogen oxide in the atmosphere by spontaneous generation, we're limited to recycling what we've got, and trying to get it where we need it when we need it. Those of us who care to look 'behind the picture' for hidden meaning are not 'Thai haters'. Most of us have better things to do than go into extensive probes and lengthy expositions on seemingly innocuous subjects. We do it because we love Thailand, not hate it, and want to see it take its place in the ranks of great nations, BUT... there are no shortcuts. We just don't like BS hype from PR depts. I wonder how many eyes rolled world-wide when a high-level Thai govt. functionary tells BBC, "our King makes rain." Let's get it right. Our King is at the forefront of research into weather modification, and has even received a patent on one of his innovations. That's enough to make us all proud.

[naiharn]

You'd think this exciting news would also be the subject of an announcement from the Queensland Government itself.

No mention at all has been made in the Australian media or by the Australian authorities about this.

From The Sydney Morning Herald (third largest newspaper in Australia)

Thai rain making comes to Qld

http://news.smh.com....0808-11q5f.html

This article is just a rehash of the articles in Thaivisa.com and other Thai news sources. No mention of any comment from the Queensland government.

[RedBullHorn]

"Those of us who care to look 'behind the picture' for hidden meaning are not 'Thai haters'. Most of us have better things to do than go into extensive probes and lengthy expositions on seemingly innocuous subjects. We do it because we love Thailand, not hate it, and want to see it take its place in the ranks of great nations, BUT... there are no shortcuts. We just don't like BS hype from PR depts. I wonder how many eyes rolled world-wide when a high-level Thai govt. functionary tells BBC, "our King makes rain." Let's get it right. Our King is at the forefront of research into weather modification, and has even received a patent on one of his innovations. That's enough to make us all proud. " --- Hardie post # 103

Well said !

Edited August 9, 2010 by RedBullHorn

[Lite Beer]

Inflammatory post and the reply to it deleted.

[stevecm]

"Those of us who care to look 'behind the picture' for hidden meaning are not 'Thai haters'. Most of us have better things to do than go into extensive probes and lengthy expositions on seemingly innocuous subjects. We do it because we love Thailand, not hate it, and want to see it take its place in the ranks of great nations, BUT... there are no shortcuts. We just don't like BS hype from PR depts. I wonder how many eyes rolled world-wide when a high-level Thai govt. functionary tells BBC, "our King makes rain." Let's get it right. Our King is at the forefront of research into weather modification, and has even received a patent on one of his innovations. That's enough to make us all proud. " --- Hardie post # 103

Well said !

Exactly.

[SamritT]

"Our King makes rain.; Let's get it right. Our King is at the forefront of research into weather modification, and has even received a patent on one of his innovations". I support this statement too. I do not care if the Australian do or not.

Edited August 9, 2010 by SamritT

[slapout]

There are patents, issued for rain making procedures, rain dances, prayers for rain, etc. Agreed droughts, are a real pain to the farming sector and others. Who has done work or got a patent on stopping what nature unleashes, (floods)? Floods and their side effects seem to cause more loses than do droughts. Who is working on this side of nature?

[RedBullHorn]

"Our King makes rain.; Let's get it right. Our King is at the forefront of research into weather modification, and has even received a patent on one of his innovations". I support this statement too. I do not care if the Australian do or not.

HM the king cares, he knows the pains people are going through, aiding and support for the world and neighbouring countries in times of need. Vice verser, the world and neighbouring countries respond when Thailand in need for support and aid. After-mat of the Burma cyclone Hagis, millions of Thai donated aid to support the need of the suffering people there,this is great, they're Thais and they care...do you ?

[unforgiven]

long live the king!

[SamritT]

Thai people love our king.

[edwardandtubs]

"Our King makes rain.; Let's get it right. Our King is at the forefront of research into weather modification, and has even received a patent on one of his innovations". I support this statement too. I do not care if the Australian do or not.

HM the king cares, he knows the pains people are going through, aiding and support for the world and neighbouring countries in times of need. Vice verser, the world and neighbouring countries respond when Thailand in need for support and aid. After-mat of the Burma cyclone Hagis, millions of Thai donated aid to support the need of the suffering people there,this is great, they're Thais and they care...do you ?

You seem a very confused person. Science and charity are universal values, not something for nationalistic point scoring.

[edwardandtubs]

Thai people love our king.

Are you inviting someone to disagree? That would be illegal under Thai law.

[MAJIC]

I think you need to double check what you believe are Australian inventions.

I agree with SamritTthat many ofthe worlds greatest inventions come from Thailand

Really? Can you name a few fr us excluding those below because they are Australian inventions.

Bonic ear, Pace maker, black box flight recorder, refrigeration, elect drill, petrol lawn mower, penecillin, IVF, Xerox photocopier, Asprin, Spray on skin, Internet wifi, motion pictures, just to name a few.

lets not forget the boomerang, Australian rules football, meat pies and the wine cask.

Ok now for those famous thai inventions

I will get you started

Thai food, Thai people,

Australian Inventions? you were joking of course?

[whybother]

Really? Can you name a few fr us excluding those below because they are Australian inventions.

Bonic ear, Pace maker, black box flight recorder, refrigeration, elect drill, petrol lawn mower, penecillin, IVF, Xerox photocopier, Asprin, Spray on skin, Internet wifi, motion pictures, just to name a few.

lets not forget the boomerang, Australian rules football, meat pies and the wine cask.

<snip>

I think you need to double check what you believe are Australian inventions.

Australian Inventions? you were joking of course?

Bionic Ear - Graeme Clark - Australian

Pace Maker (Heart) - John Hopps - Canadian

Black Box Flight Recorder - David Warren - Australian (although earlier variations were developed by the French and English, Warren developed the first combined flight data recorder and cockpit voice reporter)

Refrigeration - William Cullen - Scottish (in 1748 - a bit before Australia's time); an Australian, James Harrison, invented the first practical ice making machine in 1857.

Electric Drill - Arthur James Arnot - Australian

Petrol Lawn Mower - Mervyn Victor Richardson invented the first "Victa" lawn mower - using a 2-stroke petrol engine - lighter than others of the time, "revolutionising mowing worldwide".

Penicillin - discovered by Alexander Fleming (Scottish) - Howard Florey (Australian) is the first to develop penicillin for use in medicine.

IVF - The concept was pioneered by Patrick Steptoe and Dr. Robert Edwards (British)

Xerox photcopier - Chester Carlson (US)

Aspirin - Felix Hoffmann (German)

Spray on Skin - Dr Fiona Wood (Aus)

Wifi - the CSIRO (Australia) patented their wireless data transfer technology in 1992 which is used by most current wireless systems.

Motion Pictures - the worlds first "feature film" was shown in 1906 - "The Story of the Kelly Gang" - Australia

Not all Australian. And as with the rain making technology patented by the King, some of it was specific applications or processes using existing technology or ideas.

[tominbkk]

Thai people love our king.

And? That is a quaint thing indeed, as The King is a great person. Please don't catch your flag in the door and accidentally hang yourself, however. :jap:

[phetaroi]

Thai people love our king.

Yes, we are all quite aware of that. But what has that got to do with the topic of this thread? Your generally one sentence posts don't necessarily add much to the discussion.

Of course, quite a few other posters -- on various sides of the real issue -- are just talking and have little substance.

What we know is that the King developed a number of scientific patents, including one or more regarding the seeding of clouds in order to provide particulate matter on which water vapor can condense.

Do we have any scientific evidence as to its effectiveness?

Does the Australian government acknowledge that they will be using the techniques?

Those are the two issues I would like to see answered.

[electau]

The source of the article in the SMH came from their reporter in Bangkok.

Where he obtained that information is unknown. The accuracy of the report has not been verified.

It did not come from any Australian or Qld goverment source.

[hyperdimension]

How safe are the chemicals used to make the rain?

Would consuming the artificial rain have any detrimental effects on health?

[phetaroi]

How safe are the chemicals used to make the rain?

Would consuming the artificial rain have any detrimental effects on health?

Are they using silver iodide? If so: "Under the guidelines of the Clean Water Act by the EPA, silver iodide is considered a hazardous substance, a priority pollutant, and as a toxic pollutant. Chronic Exposure/Target Organs: Chronic ingestion of iodides may produce “iodism”, which may be manifested by skin rash, running nose, headache and irritation of the mucous membranes. Weakness, anemia, loss of weight and general depression may also occur. Chronic inhalation or ingestion may cause argyria characterized by blue-gray discoloration of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chronic skin contact may cause permanent discoloration of the skin." (From Wikipedia).