Thailand Deploys Rainmaking Aircraft To Tackle Hazardous Haze In North

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, April 6 (Bernama) -- The Thai Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has deployed its aircraft fleet to tackle hazardous PM2.5 pollution in northern Thailand, focusing on Chiang Mai province, where air quality has reached unhealthy levels.

According to the department, operations have been intensified to combat fine particulate pollution, with cloud-seeding missions carried out in both morning and afternoon sessions across Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Rai. Rainfall is expected in the targeted areas later on Monday.

Its Director-General, Rachen Silparaya, said the department had deployed seven aircraft from its weather modification unit in Chiang Mai to conduct operations throughout the day, aimed at reducing PM2.5 levels in the northern provinces.

“These include cold-water spraying missions by CN and CASA aircraft over Omkoi district in Chiang Mai, Li district in Lamphun, and Doi Saket district in Chiang Mai.

“Additional cloud-seeding operations have been carried out over Chiang Dao and Kalayaniwattana districts in Chiang Mai, as well as parts of Mae Hong Son,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Rachen said sustained cloud development from ongoing missions is expected to increase the likelihood of rainfall, which could help disperse accumulated pollutants.

Air quality data showed that Chiang Mai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 190 on Monday morning, categorised as unhealthy, although this marked an improvement from approximately 228 – a hazardous level – recorded a day earlier following earlier rainmaking operations.

On April 1, authorities in Chiang Mai declared wildfire disaster zones in six districts, as worsening forest fires and haze continue to affect residents.

PM2.5 refers to tiny airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing health risks such as breathing problems, heart issues, and increased vulnerability for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions. High PM2.5 levels indicate unhealthy or hazardous air quality.

-- BERNAMA