Thai Minister Denies False Reports on Weather System Project
Thailand's Digital Economy Minister denied false reports about a proposed 497 million baht AI weather forecasting project with Tomorrow.io, clarifying the collaboration remains in the study phase and hasn't reached the cabinet.
Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachot Chidchob addressed reports on September 29, 2567 at Government House regarding a proposed collaboration between Tomorrow.io and the Thai Meteorological Department. He stated that a request for 497 million baht in budget approval to develop an AI-powered weather forecasting system with technology comparable to NASA is under consideration.
Chaidchot explained that the project is only a proof-of-concept study examining the benefits of low-orbit satellite technology with AI capabilities for data analysis and integration, initiated under the previous government and showing improved performance. However, he emphasized the project has not yet reached the budget planning or implementation stage and remains in additional study phase as the ministry compares different approaches for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The minister stated that the government has a genuine policy to modernize weather forecasting systems using technology, though the final format has not been determined. He confirmed the ministry's commitment to developing the meteorological department's capabilities. Chaidchot added that the Tomorrow.io collaboration has not yet been presented to the cabinet and described earlier reports as false information, urging the public to use judgment. He reaffirmed that the Digital Economy Ministry prioritizes introducing technology to improve systems.
