Bangkok: Civil society groups in Thailand have taken a significant step toward tackling the country’s pressing water management issues by submitting a draft of the Integrated Water Management and Flood Prevention Act. Mr. Sophon Saram, President of the Parliament, assigned Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai, Advisor to the President of the Parliament, to receive the draft from Mr. Bandhit Sripa and his team, who are spearheading this legislative initiative.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Bandhit Sripa emphasized the urgency of the proposed legislation, citing the catastrophic 2011 Great Flood, which resulted in economic damage exceeding 1.44 trillion baht and severely affected various sectors. The proposed act aims to address not only flooding but also other water-related challenges such as drought, saltwater intrusion, saline tap water, and subsidence in Bangkok. The initiative seeks to unify and integrate the efforts of government agencies to combat these issues effectively.
The draft legislation proposes several key mechanisms, including the formation of a national committee with clear authority, the development of a modern master plan and early warning systems, and the construction of seawalls or dams to combat saltwater intrusion. It also emphasizes restoring upstream forests and wetlands and encourages public participation in the process. A National Water Management Fund is proposed to ensure sustainable solutions, allowing for private sector investment to support water infrastructure development.
Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai expressed his intention to present the draft to the Speaker of Parliament and the relevant agencies for further consideration. The proposed act is seen as a crucial step towards securing Thailand’s water future, ensuring economic, food, and urban security, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.