Bangkok: Prime Minister Suriya has ordered urgent measures to address the El Ni±o phenomenon expected to persist until early 2027, emphasizing immediate water replenishment in reservoirs and support for drought-prone regions.
According to Thai News Agency, the Minister of Agriculture has directed the Director-General of the Royal Rainmaking Department to respond promptly to the El Ni±o warnings issued by the Meteorological Department. These warnings highlight the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and the risk of drought in several areas. The Minister has also called for accelerated water replenishment in dams and reservoirs and assistance to agricultural areas nationwide that are vulnerable to drought.
Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, disclosed that he has instructed the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, along with the Royal Irrigation Department, to urgently prepare for the El Ni±o situation, which is anticipated to continue until early 2027. The strategy involves four key components: "Storage-Replenishment-Adaptation-Monitoring." These strategies aim to manage water resources, conduct rainmaking operations, promote water-efficient crops, and establish an early warning system to support farmers and mitigate the impact on agriculture and the public.
The Meteorological Department has indicated that Thailand has entered an El Ni±o phase, with a 63% chance of escalating into a very severe condition between late 2026 and early 2027. This scenario predicts lower-than-normal rainfall, increased drought risk, higher average temperatures nationwide, and a milder winter than usual.
Mr. Suriya has tasked the Royal Irrigation Department with closely monitoring the national water situation. The Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has been ordered to expedite water replenishment in dams and reservoirs to avoid water shortages during prolonged droughts. Several northeastern areas, including Roi Et, Kalasin, and parts of Nakhon Ratchasima, have already reported insufficient rainfall, affecting farmers' planting preparations.
Mr. Witthaya Kaewmee, Director-General of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, noted that the Meteorological Department forecasts less rainfall than normal in the Northeast, lower North, Central, and parts of the East regions. A dry spell is expected from June 21st onward, with rainfall likely returning to normal around June 26th. However, overall rainfall in 2026 is still expected to be approximately 10% below normal, necessitating urgent water resource management and preparation for the dry season, which extends into early next year, and ensuring sufficient reserves until the rainy season in 2027.
The Royal Rainmaking Department has adapted its operational plan by opening rainmaking units in Tak and Sa Kaeo provinces to support northern and eastern regions. Additionally, a rainmaking unit was established in Roi Et province on June 15th to serve as a central hub for assisting agricultural and non-irrigated areas in the northeastern region. The unit is prepared to commence operations immediately when conditions are favorable.
A war room has been established to monitor daily water and weather conditions to assess target areas and develop action plans tailored to regional needs, particularly for rice paddies, corn planting, and cassava development.
The Director-General highlighted that the department currently operates eight rainmaking centers and 24 aircraft nationwide. It is coordinating with the Royal Thai Air Force for rainmaking missions and collaborating with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) to leverage satellite data for accurate planning.
The Royal Rainmaking Department is also introducing innovations like Ground Based Generators (GBGs) and low-frequency sound wave technology to enhance ground-based rainmaking efficiency. These are intended to increase rainfall chances in areas challenging for aircraft access, such as border regions, watershed forests, high mountains, and rain shadow areas, to reduce fuel costs and improve water resource management.
Mr. Witthaya affirmed that the department will continue replenishing water reserves in major dams and reservoirs, focusing on key dams and areas within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The department is prepared to conduct flights to maintain water levels for consumption and agriculture amid the ongoing El Ni±o threat until 2027.