Thailand Deploys Three New Cloud-Seeding Units
Thailand has deployed three new cloud-seeding units across Nakhon Sawan, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces to combat drought and boost water supplies for crops ahead of expected dry spells in July and August.
Thailand has established three additional cloud-seeding operations in Nakhon Sawan, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces to boost water supplies for agricultural areas facing drought concerns. Director Withaya Kaewmee of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department stated that since Thailand entered the monsoon season on May 15, overall rainfall has remained below normal. July and August are expected to see dry spells with below-average precipitation, creating risks of water shortages during the 2025 dry season across the country.
Most crops nationwide are in growth stages requiring adequate water. The Central Region has rice in seedling and tillering phases, sugarcane in tillering and stem extension, and cassava in canopy development. Northern rice is being prepared for planting, corn is in early planting to flowering stages. Eastern rice is in land preparation to seedling phases, cassava in canopy development. Northeast rice is in transplanting to seedling stages, sugarcane in stem extension. Southern rice is in seedling to tillering phases, cassava in root and growth development.
Reservoirs and dams require significant water replenishment, with usage at less than 30 percent capacity. The three new operations target: the Nakhon Sawan operation supporting rice-growing areas outside irrigation zones in Tha Tak, Phaisali, and Nong Bua districts, plus western and eastern agricultural zones; and combined Buriram-Ubon Ratchathani operations supporting rice areas in Sisaket Province's Wang Hin, Prang Ku, Phrai Bueng, Phyu, and Chaturphak Triphiman districts, plus Roi Et Province's Tung Kula Ronghai region.
Withaya emphasized that all cloud-seeding units must plan interventions before agricultural damage occurs, analyzing water requirements by crop type and weather conditions for maximum efficiency. The department has personnel, aircraft, equipment, and can adjust operations to suit conditions. Currently five operations are active in Tak, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaew, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Khon Kaen provinces. Yesterday's operations brought rain to agricultural areas across 16 provinces and replenished seven major dams and 13 smaller reservoirs. The public can follow updates on the department's Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages, or request services at eight nationwide cloud-seeding centers.
