Bangkok: Bangkok has received a significant delivery of 300 tons of dry ice intended for the Royal Rainmaking Department to address the persistent dust pollution in the city. Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, formally received the dry ice from Mr. Piyabutr Charupen, Managing Director of Bangkok Industrial Gas Co., Ltd. (BIG). The dry ice will be utilized in a collaborative effort involving the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd., aiming to alleviate the PM2.5 dust levels in Bangkok. The initiative involves dispersing dry ice into the atmosphere to disperse the dust particles, allowing for improved air circulation and quality.
According to Thai News Agency, Governor Sittipunt expressed gratitude towards Bangkok Industrial Gas Co., Ltd. for their contribution, highlighting the crucial role of dry ice in managing the PM2.5 dust issue. He also acknowledged the cooperation of various organizations, including the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, which is instrumental in this mission, and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd., for facilitating the necessary air traffic arrangements. The governor emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the dust crisis, noting its adverse effects on health, tourism, and the economy. He mentioned the potential for ongoing use of this method should it prove successful in improving air quality, while also encouraging citizens to adopt measures that reduce dust emissions, such as minimizing burning and using public transportation.
Mr. Rachen Silaraya, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, noted that this marks the first instance of the department receiving permission from Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. to conduct flights for this mission. Coordination with Don Mueang Airport is necessary to ensure safe navigation during the operation. Flights are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to manage the dust levels and improve air quality for the public. Mr. Thelingsak Phathong, Director-General (Regional Air Navigation Services) of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd., lauded the cooperative effort and confirmed that flights will be permitted in inner Bangkok until April 2025 to mitigate dust accumulation during periods of stagnant weather.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reports that as of January 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., the average PM2.5 dust concentration in Bangkok stands at 44.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The top five districts with the highest dust levels are Nong Khaem (58.7 µg/m3), Phasi Charoen (54.7 µg/m3), Thon Buri (53.2 µg/m3), Khlong Sam Wa (52 µg/m3), and Taling Chan (50.8 µg/m3).