Air pollution in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: The Nation)

(KPL/VNA) The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok, its adjacent provinces and some northern provinces has reportedly improved following the first day of rain-making flights by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA).

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itthi Sirilathayakorn said on December 3 that the operations aimed to mitigate the level of PM2.5 fine particulate matter in Bangkok and nearby provinces as well as those in the North.

The Royal Rainmaking Operation Units in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Kanchanaburi provinces began their mission on December 2.

They used the technique of reducing the inverse temperature of the atmosphere by sprinkling water, using two Casa aircraft.

Each sprayed 1,600 litres of cooled water into the air in a spiralling circle with a radius of 5-7 miles (8-11 kilometres) above areas in Phetchaburi and Samut Sakhon provinces.

According to Itthi, after the operation, the overall AQI in Bangkok has improved from early morning of December 3, when it stood at 154 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), an unhealthy level, down to 66 µg/m³, a moderate level.

In the northern region, the Royal Rainmaking Operations Unit in Chiang Mai also conducted flights about 5pm on December 2, slightly reducing the AQI from 84 µg/m³ to 83 µg/m³.

Deputy director-general of operations at DRRAA Rachen Silaraya said this was a proactive measure to reduce air pollution.

He noted that the department will develop new technology and techniques to manage it more efficiently.

Eleven provinces in Thailand were reported to have PM2.5 levels in the red zone, which poses significant health risk

The worst five were Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Pathom.

KPL