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<br />implicit assumption that the cloud characteristics and water yields are <br />also similar may be incorrect. The results of a demonstration project <br />would reveal whether the clouds and wa,ter projections are different, <br />either better or worse. <br /> <br />It should be recognized that not all clouds are suitable for seeding and <br />those that are must be identified and seeded in an appropriate manner. <br />Seeding clouds that are not suitable or improper seeding of suitable <br />clouds could result in decreased precipitation. Proper seeding designs <br />can and should safeguard against the possibility of non-beneficial <br />effects. Concepts used in analogous seeding programs should be adapted <br />to the Thailand situation. <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />Care must also be exercised to avoid the inadvertent stimulation of <br />hazardous weather. Seeding of some storms could result in making them <br />more vigorous and thereby increase the likelihood of producing damaging <br />hail, windstorms, and flash floods in the seeded areas. The development <br />and implementation of suspension criteria are needed to safeguard <br />against such eventualities. <br /> <br />Evidence far real downwind effects resulting from precipitation enhan- <br />cement operations is not persuasive. In some cases there have been <br />suggestions that increases in precipitation in the primary target area <br />are sometimes accompanied by precipitation increases up to 100 km down- <br />wind and sometimes by no effect on downwind precipitation, but never <br />decreases in downwind precipitation. Nevertheless, the possible <br />existence and significance of effects beyond the target area and their <br />consequences should be explicitly recognized as an important component <br />of any scientific weather modification program. <br /> <br />In general, the perception of risk in conducting precipitation enhan- <br />cement operations is far greater than justified by empirical evidence. <br />Possible risks associated with seeding of clouds can best be Ininimized <br />and the production of water be given the greatest chance of success <br />through the implementation of a scientifically-designed program that is <br />executed by trained meteorologists and pilots working in a coordinated <br />manner using appropriate monitoring and seeding equipment. Foreign <br />technical assistance, training, and guidance will be needed to transfer <br />the latest knowledge of the technology to Thai scientists who will put <br />it into practice. The eventual outcome will depend on the commitment <br />made by Thailand in its execution. This will require a substantial com- <br />mitment of personnel to carry out the planning, execution, and evalu- <br />ation of the program. Personnel from various organizations in the Royal <br />Thai Government will have to work cooperatively to cover all aspects of <br />the program effectively. Thailand will also have to commit the finan- <br />cial resources to establish the necessary operational facilities and <br />provide for the recurring costs of operating and maintaining the equip- <br />ment. Failure to make the appropriate level of commitment to the per- <br />sonnel, facilities, funding, and management needs of the Thailand <br />weather modification program would seriously jeopardize its chances of <br />success and the opportunity to obtain more water would be lost. <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />17 <br />