Hat yai: “Chaiyanok” visits Hat Yai to follow up on the Tomorrow.io pilot project, aiming to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and invites the public to participate in testing the system. Mr. Chaiyachanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), along with Mr. Pachara Anantasilsin, Permanent Secretary of DE, Ms. Chomparee Chompurat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of DE, and Ms. Sukanyanee Yawinchan, Director-General of the Meteorological Department, held a meeting to discuss and follow up on the pilot project (Proof of Concept – POC) to expand the high-accuracy weather forecasting system using the Tomorrow.io satellite platform to enhance the efficiency of the meteorological satellite system. Also present were Mr. Romdon Haji Awae, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, Mr. Supis Pitaktham, President of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization, executives, government officials, and staff from relevant agencies, at the Southern Meteorological Center, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province
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According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaiyanok stated that the government has approved a pilot project to upgrade the weather forecasting and disaster warning system using the Tomorrow.io satellite platform in conjunction with the Meteorological Department’s weather forecasting system. The operational plan has been monitored weekly throughout the three-month pilot project, from December 2025 to February 2026. He has also visited the project sites to observe the implementation and found successful data integration among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society, as well as discussions regarding the needs of local community networks.
The Tomorrow.io system utilizes 11 Deep Sky satellites (Microwave Sounder) and is adding 2 more, bringing the total to 13, to enhance weather forecasting accuracy. It can transmit real-time data for up to one hour and includes a function to adjust the Flood Index to suit local conditions. This allows for targeted disaster warnings, even at the sub-district level, and provides a 7-day weather forecast. These features will significantly improve the efficiency of weather forecasting and warning systems, leading to expanded applications tailored to the diverse contexts of Thailand. The system is also being developed to provide real-time alerts.
During discussions today (February 10, 2026), it was found that the needs of local users (Hat Yai City Municipality, Phatong Municipality, Tha Hin Municipality, Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization, and the Royal Irrigation Department) are for data on weather management and disaster response, prevention, and mitigation. This includes hourly rainfall data, rainfall intensity, and water levels. This data will be linked to the Royal Irrigation Department’s water management system.
Beyond the primary goal of improving weather forecasting and disaster warnings, various parties are interested in utilizing Tomorrow.io’s data in diverse applications. Prince of Songkla University (PSU) aims to promote a One Data Center to address the public’s need for weather forecast data. This model can be adapted for universities across all regions, encouraging academics, students, and youth to participate in further development (Hackathons) to create innovations that solve real-world problems at the local level.
Meanwhile, in the area of disaster management, this pilot project can be expanded and adapted to include other warning systems, such as earthquake, lightning, and PM2.5 warnings, as well as maritime forecasting, to provide information for the public to make informed decisions. This includes creating disaster response infrastructure, such as “permanent evacuation centers,” for use in responding to disasters or adapting for multipurpose use during normal times.
The pilot project for the Tomorrow.io system is currently being tested by personnel from relevant agencies. At the same time, plans are underway to extend the trial period to other agencies and the public, while also linking disaster alert information to platforms accessible to the public, such as Line notifications. Information will also be disseminated through relevant websites in the area, such as hatyaicityclimate.org, which compiles weather forecasts and disaster alerts for Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, with plans to expand to other areas.