16 January

The Thai government has launched an initiative to seed clouds as part of measures to tackle the country's serious air pollution.

Exhaust fumes from automobiles and factories have worsened air pollution in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, with little rainfall during the dry season.

Levels of the hazardous airborne pollutant PM2.5 have been well over the limit set by the World Health Organization in many observation points since last week, reaching 70 to 100 micrograms per cubic meter.

The Thai government used two airplanes on Tuesday to spread sodium chloride into the air to seed clouds and make rain.

It says rainfall was observed in multiple locations, including the center of the capital.

Officials say they will continue the operation, while distributing masks to residents and sprinkling water with fire engines.

A public health ministry official told reporters that the government will consider closing schools if the situation worsens. The official pledged the government's united efforts to tackle the problem.

NHK