Chonburi and Sattahip officials gained a first-hand look at how the Royal Artificial Rain Creation Project is working to relieve the region’s drought problem.
Gov. Khomsan Ekachai and Sattahip District Chief Parinya Phothisut joined civil servants at an Aug. 17 meeting and lecture about the drought and efforts to create precipitation by royal rainmakers.
Wasana Wongrath, director of the rainmaking operations team, briefed the officials on the project, which is being run out of the Naval Aviation Station in Ban Chang.
Chonburi and Sattahip officials gained a first-hand look at the Royal Artificial Rain Creation Project, but unfortunately there weren’t many clouds around to seed on the day of the demonstration.
They also watched a demonstration of the Royal Artificial Rain Creation Project, which uses Caravan 1921 and 1914 aircraft. Both planes were loaded with chemicals and sodium chloride that are released into clouds at 6,000 feet.
The demonstration was performed on a bad day, as there weren’t many clouds, but the artificial rain would have more success at night.
Khomsan said this year’s rainfall has been below normal, leading to drought and critical low water levels at area reservoirs. Chonburi remains in Drought Emergency status declared by the central government.
The Royal Artificial Rain Creation Project will continue operating until the end of the year to restock reservoirs for the dry season.
