Bangkok: Disasters must become a national priority in Thailand as the country grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. A warming world not only brings higher temperatures but also more erratic and severe weather patterns, including heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, droughts, and heatwaves. Thailand is one of the regions facing significant risks associated with climate change.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Forum of Ideas" program, specifically the "Hot Issue" segment, recently featured a discussion on the "Climate Game: A World on the Brink of Extinction, a Secret Fight to Adapt for Survival." Professor Sonthi Kachawat, an environmental scholar, highlighted the rapidly rising global temperatures and the consequential increase in atmospheric humidity by approximately 7% for every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature. This phenomenon leads to more water in the atmosphere and a higher likelihood of heavy rainfall over short periods.
The extreme weather Thailand faces ranges from torrential rain and flash floods to severe heat and prolonged droughts. High mountainous and upstream areas are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides, as seen in regions like Pua District in Nan Province and Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai Province. On the opposite end, the risk of a Super El Ni±o phenomenon poses a threat of exacerbated hot and dry weather conditions.
Professor Sonthi emphasized that climate change is not a distant issue for Thailand, which now ranks 17th in the world for potential natural disasters, down from 72nd in 2022. The risks faced are multifaceted, including flash floods, landslides, PM2.5 pollution, and extreme heat waves. High-risk areas include both highland regions prone to floods and landslides, as well as lowland and coastal areas like Bangkok, which face unique challenges from rising sea levels, land subsidence, and upstream flooding.
Bangkok is particularly vulnerable, ranking fourth globally for potential impacts from flooding and rising sea levels. Rising sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with land subsidence and increased water flow from northern areas, heighten the challenges for effective water management.
Professor Sonthi underscored the importance of shifting focus from post-disaster relief to pre-disaster prevention. Although Thailand has several agencies with vital data, there is a need for better integration and coordination to assess risks and disseminate information swiftly. A proposed risk map, integrating data from various agencies, could help identify vulnerable areas and prepare for potential disasters up to five days in advance.
Additionally, the installation of Early Warning Systems in high-risk areas, such as high mountainous regions and watershed areas, could provide timely alerts to residents. This approach would enable a proactive stance in disaster management, relying on data to predict and mitigate losses.
Professor Sonthi also suggested restructuring disaster management through a Single Command system, with provincial governors taking the lead. This system would ensure prompt decision-making and effective coordination among various agencies involved in forecasting, risk assessment, public warnings, evacuation, and recovery efforts.
Finally, Professor Sonthi called for the government to elevate disaster response to a 'national agenda.' By doing so, Thailand can ensure that solutions are not restricted to severe incidents or specific regions but are part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While climate change may be inevitable, preparedness remains a choice within reach.