Rainmaking or cloud seeding is a technique sometimes used in Thailand before the onset of the SW Monsoon since the period before its arrival is the cool dry season. The Royal Thai Air Force(RTAF) are responsible for rain making operations and fly from various bases around Thailand including Wing 53 at Ao Manao, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The chemicals used in Thailand are to a special formulae invented by His Majesty the King of Thailand on which he holds the patent.
In order to seed the clouds and hopefully make rain several aircraft flying at different altitudes are used, this is depicted in the photograph, with the AU-23C Peacemaker flying at the lowest level. When suitable clouds are found the aircraft either fly through or above them depending on their role in the operation spraying the different chemicals used in the process.
The pilots of the aircraft wear a special shoulder flash with the words “cloud attacker” and are referred to as the Royal Rainmakers.
Each year on the 14th November the Thai people celebrate “The Father of Rainmaking Day” in honour of the work His majesty has done to further the rainmaking project.
Equipment: Canon EOS 1000D 55mm Lens
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