Culture
Questions Raised Over Department of Royal Rainmaking’s 960 Million Baht Radar Budget
A People's Party MP has questioned the necessity of a 960 million baht budget request by the Department of Royal Rainmaking for new radar systems, citing potential overlap with the Thai Meteorological Department.
On September 8, 2026, Matichon Online reported that Chayapol, a Member of Parliament from the People's Party (Prachachon Party), has publicly questioned a budget proposal submitted by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation. The department is seeking 960 million baht to procure new radar equipment.
Chayapol expressed concerns regarding the necessity of this expenditure, suggesting that the proposed radar systems may be redundant. He pointed out that the Thai Meteorological Department already operates radar infrastructure, raising questions about whether the new purchase would result in an inefficient use of public funds due to overlapping capabilities between the two government agencies.
For residents and travellers in Thailand, this development highlights ongoing discussions regarding government spending efficiency and the management of meteorological data infrastructure. While the Department of Royal Rainmaking plays a critical role in managing water resources and mitigating drought, the debate centers on whether these specific technological investments are essential or if existing resources could be shared more effectively.
As of now, the proposal remains under scrutiny. It is yet to be confirmed how the government will respond to these concerns or whether the budget request will be adjusted, delayed, or approved as submitted. Further parliamentary review is expected to determine the final outcome of this funding request.