Royal Rainmaking Department Chief Resigns Early, Denies Allegations of Aircraft Maintenance Budget Misconduct

On April 29, 2025, Rachan Silparaiya, Director-General of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, announced his resignation, which takes effect from June 23, 2025—earlier than his scheduled retirement on August 7, 2025, when he turns 60. He consulted with his family and decided to step down to preserve his dignity.

Rachan stated he accepted his recent reassignment to Inspector position as part of management's prerogative, but emphasized his resignation was not a surrender to pressure. Regarding unusual contact attempts from a minister's nephew claiming to discuss aircraft maintenance issues and arranging meetings outside government offices, Rachan confirmed he considers this suspicious and has preserved all documentation.

He defended the 2025 budget review conducted by Agriculture Minister Suriya Jurungruangkij before taking office as routine procedure. The Royal Rainmaking Department operates over 30 aircraft requiring maintenance oversight. All procurement processes follow transparent and auditable procedures.

Rachan acknowledged growing up in politically-connected positions, starting as a minister's chief of staff before becoming deputy director. Despite working closely with various administrations, he emphasized his duty as a professional civil servant is to implement policies within legal and ethical boundaries—with clear red lines against anything illegal or improper.

He stated he maintains professional independence and welcomes any investigation, confident in his integrity. However, he affirmed that resignation is his clear choice when unable to stand by his principles. Rachan also expressed concern about rising fuel costs, which have increased from 39 baht to over 53 per liter, potentially impacting operations, though he reports no progress on solutions.