China and Thailand unveil joint laboratory dedicated to AI applications in meteorology

China and Thailand launched the world's first bilateral international laboratory dedicated to artificial intelligence applications in meteorology, aiming to improve forecasts of extreme weather and strengthen disaster preparedness across Southeast Asia.

The China-Thailand Joint Laboratory for Intelligent Prediction and Early Warning of Meteorological Disasters was announced on Friday during the meteorological forum of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai.

The laboratory will focus on developing AI technologies capable of providing subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasts for major weather hazards, including typhoons, torrential rainfall, heat waves and drought, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

Zhang Xingying, director of the administration's Department of International Cooperation, said the laboratory is intended to become an international platform supporting the United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative while serving as a regional hub for sharing AI technologies and training meteorological professionals across Southeast Asia and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"The lab seeks to establish an integrated multi-hazard early warning system for China and Thailand, supporting cross-border projects in sectors such as energy, agriculture and infrastructure," Zhang said.

Jointly led by the Xiong'an Institute of Meteorological Artificial Intelligence in Hebei province and the Climate Center of the Thai Meteorological Department, the lab will involve more than 40 experts specializing in fields including atmospheric science, climatology, and artificial intelligence.

Based on China's global meteorological datasets and AI models, Thailand can improve its forecasting and early warning capabilities for droughts, heavy rainfall and other weather hazards, Chalump Oonariya, the Thai co-director of the laboratory, said.

"The technology will provide support for local disaster prevention and mitigation through more precise intelligent forecasting," he said.

According to the administration, China has also provided training for 323 Thai meteorological personnel and hosted two Thai visiting scholars.

The country's AI-based global subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting system, known as Fengshun, has already supplied experimental forecast products to Thailand and successfully predicted a major heavy rainfall event in southern Thailand, it added.