Boffins identify source of “yellow rain”

PHUKET: The Provincial Health Office today confirmed that the “yellow rain” that has fallen on a small area along Chao Fah Nok Rd over the past 10 days or so is pollen. Dr Boonrieng Chuchaisangrat, chief of the Health Office, told the Gazette that samples of the “rain” were passed to the Phuket branch of the Songkhla Regional Medical Science Center for microscopic examination. Dr Boonrieng said that the “rain” could be found falling on a wide area, but that for some reason, probably the wind, there was a higher concentration on Chao Fah Nok Rd. The boffins believe the “rain” may occur after the pollen, drifting in the air, combines with atmospheric moisture. The pollen-laden moisture then condenses and falls as the sun begins to sink and temperatures drop. “It’s not a chemical and it’s not dangerous for tourists or anyone else,” said Dr Boonrieng, although he noted that people who are allergic to pollen may have a reaction to it. Researchers are continuing their efforts to identify what kind of pollen is involved, and where it is coming from.