{
  "id": 10652274,
  "title": "AI-based weather forecasting ‘still being studied’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/ai-based-weather-forecasting-still-being-studied",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-29T07:24:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Bangkok Post",
    "slug": "bangkok-post",
    "url": "https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3328178/aibased-weather-forecasting-still-being-studied"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has debunked reports of a 497-million-baht budget allocation for an AI-powered weather forecasting system from US-based Tomorrow.io. Minister Chaichanok Chidchob stated the project is still in the proof-of-concept stage and undergoing a feasibility study. This study, publicly presented earlier, focuses on the potential benefits of low-altitude and low-Earth-orbit satellites enhanced with AI technology to analyze and integrate weather forecasting data. The initiative, initiated under a previous administration, has not yet reached the budget allocation or implementation phase, according to Minister Chaichanok.\n\nReports suggested the Meteorological Department had completed a seven-month free trial with Tomorrow.io in July 2023, but the AI-based forecasting results were not yet fully refined, requiring adjustments to suit Thai conditions. The department already possesses radar and weather station infrastructure worth 4.5 billion baht. DES ministry spokesperson Patchara Anantasin confirmed the project had never been part of the plan and is preparing to send correction letters to news publishers for their inaccurate reports. The ministry is also investigating the source of the initial claim.\n\nTomorrow.io, a Boston-based weather technology company, provides an AI-driven weather intelligence platform that adapts from NASA's TROPICS programme. The ministry oversees the Meteorological Department, which saw budget increases of about 40% for two consecutive fiscal years, reaching 3.9 billion baht for fiscal 2027.",
  "summary": "The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has denied reports about cabinet approval of a 497-million-baht project to introduce AI-powered weather forecasting from US-based Tomorrow.io to the Thai Meteorological Department.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}