Royal Thai Air Force Mobilizes Aircraft to Combat Toxic Dust in Bangkok

Bangkok: The Royal Thai Air Force is gearing up to deploy aircraft equipped with dry ice to tackle the persistent issue of toxic dust in Bangkok. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage air quality challenges, particularly the PM 2.5 dust problem, affecting various regions. According to Thai News Agency, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, highlighted the Air Force's role in addressing the dust problem, particularly in the northern region. The Air Force is utilizing administrative aircraft to disseminate information and encourage the public to avoid burning activities that exacerbate air pollution. Initial support includes the deployment of Peacemaker aircraft and the use of the Napa 2 satellite, which provides high-resolution images to identify and reduce heat spots from over a thousand to just 40-50, facilitating targeted interventions. Additionally, the Air Force is employing BT-67 aircraft to release forest fire suppression chemicals, a longside collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Helicopters from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation are also involved, continuously honing their capabilities to minimize forest fire damage. To address the dust issue in Bangkok, the Air Force plans to use aircraft to sprinkle dry ice, effectively creating openings in the atmospheric "lid" trapping the dust. Despite challenges posed by heavy air traffic in Bangkok, backup aircraft, including BT-67, AU-23, and Peacemaker models, are on standby to execute operations in coordination with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.