A comprehensive review of existing work and data on climate change/climate risk and adaptation/mitigation for Thailand was undertaken. This provided background information and data (and data gaps) for subsequent climate work to be carried out under the project design. Focus was on the Chao Phraya River Basin in Thailand.
The Lower Chao Phraya region of Thailand is facing increasingly frequent and severe flooding events, which pose significant threats to the livelihoods, safety, and economic stability of local communities. These floods have caused extensive property damage, crop loss, and displacement, thereby hindering overall development in the region. Contributing to these climate-induced flood vulnerabilities are the aging irrigation canal systems, which are inadequate for managing more intense floods, thus exacerbating water-related risks and long-term economic losses. This inefficiency constrains agricultural productivity, perpetuates poverty, and impedes sustainable development.
In response to these challenges, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is advancing the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Adaptation of the Lower Eastern Chao Phraya Water System Project. The project aims to modernize the aging irrigation infrastructure—comprising canals, regulation gates, and pumping stations—by repurposing them into climate-resilient flood mitigation systems. This initiative seeks to improve water resource management, enhance climate adaptation, mitigate environmental degradation, and mobilize resources for sustainable development.
FutureWater has supported this project by conducting a comprehensive review of significant climate and climate change research, studies, reports, data, and information related to floods and droughts in Thailand from both governmental and non-governmental entities. This included analyzing the availability, quality, and accessibility of climate-related data collected across various regions in Thailand, and identifying data gaps. Additionally, FutureWater evaluated the methodologies, tools, and technologies used for climate data collection, analysis, and modeling to assess their reliability and effectiveness.
FutureWater’s contributions included: (i) identifying strengths and weaknesses in Thailand’s national and international climate commitments, (ii) highlighting the importance of distinguishing between pluvial and fluvial flooding, and (iii) assessing current and projected return periods for temperature, rainfall, and sea level rise. Recommendations were provided regarding the direction in which a comprehensive Climate Risk Assessment should be developed during the design phase of the project.
