Thailand builds climate database to prepare for long El Niño

BANGKOK — Thailand is creating a new climate database to help the country handle a prolonged El Niño weather pattern. The project aims to collect and analyze data on rainfall, temperature, and water levels. Officials say the database will improve forecasts and early warnings. This will allow farmers, businesses, and disaster teams to plan ahead for droughts or floods. The move comes as scientists warn that El Niño could last longer than usual this year. The weather event often brings less rain and higher temperatures to parts of Southeast Asia. By building a central data system, Thailand hopes to reduce damage to crops and water supplies. The database is expected to be operational within the next year.