18-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Recent rainmaking efforts to the east of Bangkok have resulted in a significant reduction in air pollution across the capital and its neighboring areas. Ultra-fine dust levels, particularly PM2.5, have returned to safe levels on Monday, offering relief from the health impact of elevated pollution.
Supis Pitaktham, the director-general of the Department of Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, revealed that the rainmaking operation was initiated from December 16 to 18 in the eastern regions of Bangkok. This intervention was prompted by the adverse effects of high PM2.5 dust levels observed over the preceding week.
On December 16, two Cessna Caravan aircraft conducted cloud seeding flights over Ban Bung district in Chon Buri and Khong Khuan district in Chachoengsao, causing cloud thickening. Consequently, PM2.5 levels in Bangkok and the eastern areas of Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, and Chachoengsao provinces saw a notable decline.
Continuing the effort, the two planes conducted rainmaking flights over Phanom Sarakham district in Chachoengsao and Pak Phli district in Nakhon Nayok on Sunday. This resulted in some rainfall in Ongkharak district of Nakhon Nayok and Nong Sua district of Pathum Thani.
Mr. Supis highlighted that the operation induced the movement of rain clouds from the east to cover Bangkok, leading to improved PM2.5 conditions on Monday morning.
A report from the Department of Pollution Control confirmed that PM2.5 levels in Bangkok and its nearby provinces were now within the safety threshold on Monday morning.
Mr. Supis emphasized the importance of strategic planning for rainmaking operations in the vicinity of Bangkok. Depending on wind direction, operations are based in either Rayong province for eastward winds or Kanchanaburi for westward winds. The rainmaking aircraft must adhere to international aviation rules, operating at least 70 nautical miles from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
