Fight against floods: Thailand's new measures for security

Fight against floods: Thailand's new measures for security

On October 6, 2023, Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Thailand, will lead a decisive meeting of the new Committee for Natural Disaster Management (KOP). The meeting takes place at 2:00 p.m. in the Phakdi Bodin building, the government seat. This initiative, which results from the decree of the Prime Minister of September 30, 2023, comes at a time when Thailand is repeatedly confronted with severe floods.

The KOP was launched for the systematic and effective support of disaster victims. The foundation followed an inspection by the Prime Minister in Bang Ban, province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, where recurring floods were found. The focus of the KOP is on the comprehensive coordination of all measures in disaster management, which covers the spectrum of preparation to help during the disaster to restoration. Anutin emphasized the urgency faster and transparent for the affected citizens.

Background of the floods

In the past few months, Thailand has struggled with devastating floods in the north and south that indicate a failing disaster protection system. tdri.or.th reported that a total of 146 natural disasters were registered from 2000 to 2019, which demanded an average of 138 human lives every year and caused costs of around 7.7 billion USD. These figures make it clear that floods in particular are one of the most common and most destructive natural disasters in Thailand.

Thailand is now one of the four countries with the highest risk of flooding worldwide. According to [ThailandTip.info] (https://thailandtip.info/2024/04/thailand-gegehoert-zu-den-vier-mit-dem-hoechsten-ueber flooding risk/), climate change could increase the number of people who are affected by 30 % if the temperatures rise. The combination of deeply lying terrain and intensive monsoon rain makes Southeast Asia particularly susceptible.

Disadvantage in disaster protection

The weaknesses in disaster management in Thailand often cause emergencies to turn into tragic events. The inadequate coordination of water management over 48 authorities in 13 ministries is a significant obstacle. Therefore, the accuracy of the flood forecasts, which is only 33 %, is an alarming sign.

At the same time, the global perspective shows that around 1.47 billion people, which corresponds to around 19 % of the world's population, are exposed to a high risk of severe floods. While in China and India, millions of people live in endangered areas, Thailand includes around 66 million people who are potentially affected. Financially, the last floods could cause damage of up to 60 billion baht, which underlines the great economic importance of these natural disasters.

The next steps

The prime minister has commissioned the disaster relief centers (CCP) to work closely with all relevant authorities and the private sector to ensure comprehensive help. Long -term auxiliary measures for citizens who have to sacrifice their land in flood areas are to be developed as well as transparent compensation guidelines that avoid repeated inquiries. A systematic approach to registering those affected is also sought to ensure that auxiliary payments reach everyone.

Despite the challenges that the Thailand civil protection system brings with it, there is hope. Models for successful disaster management, as they were developed in HAT YAI and are based on science and teamwork, can serve as a source of inspiration. The right course for Thailand could be a shift in the focus of reaction to prevention - not only from a national, but also from a locally oriented approach.