Interior Ministry Directs 25 Central and Eastern Region Governors to Establish Royal Rain Volunteer Units to Support Citizens During Drought Crisis

The Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry has instructed governors of 25 central and eastern provinces to establish 'Royal Rain Volunteer' units to coordinate requests for royal rainmaking support and alleviate drought-related hardships. On May 24, Arthit Samphantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, outlined efforts to advance royal patronage projects following the royal initiative to 'preserve, maintain, and expand' these programs as a framework for provincial implementation amid rapid climate changes, particularly severe drought conditions in central Thailand. Following a meeting on April 22 with the subcommittee overseeing royal projects in central regions, the Interior Ministry was requested to promote the establishment of Royal Rain Volunteer units in each province to coordinate and expedite requests to the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department. The Permanent Secretary emphasized that to maximize benefits and rapidly relieve citizens from drought impacts on their lives and property, the governors of all 25 provinces must work to establish volunteer units and integrate coordination with local agencies according to regulations. The 25 provinces include Kanchanaburi, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chaiyaphum, Trat, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachuapkhirikhan, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Sa Kaeo, Saraburi, Singburi, Suphan Buri, and Ang Thong.