Criticism of water management: Prawit could be the solution!

Criticism of water management: Prawit could be the solution!

In Thailand, the water management situation is becoming increasingly dramatic given capricious weather conditions and a looming flood crisis. The latest criticisms focus on the Department of Water Resources, which is criticized for its inadequate coordination and technical expertise. Suradet, a critic of current water management policies, highlights that the period under Gen Prawit's leadership was certainly more effective. He suggests formally asking the former prime minister for advice.[Nation Thailand]

“Gen Prawit has over eight years of experience in dealing with national water issues, and his expertise could help us address upcoming crises,” Suradet said. According to him, it is time for the government to consider the advice of experienced minds. In particular, the current water flood situation caused by several storms highlights the urgency of an effective policy. Suradet calls for the construction of medium-sized and small reservoirs, based on the results of hydrological studies, to mitigate future disasters.

A looming flood crisis in Bangkok

Bangkok, built on a once-stable delta, is facing a worrying trend: Experts warn that most of the city could be underwater by 2030 unless radical action is taken. Dr. Sonthi Kotchawat of the Thai Environmental Scholars Association lists several key factors: annual ground subsidence of about one centimeter, rising sea levels and the loss of natural floodplains, which have declined dramatically over the past two decades.[Thailand Tip]

Furthermore, extreme weather conditions exacerbate the problem, as a rise in temperature of just one degree Celsius can increase rainfall by up to 7%. With rainfall of over 100 millimeters in one day, the existing drainage system, which can only handle 60 millimeters per hour, is overwhelmed. This regularly leads to flooding in many parts of the city.

Strategies to improve water balance

In order to counteract this worsening problem, it is recommended to develop a revised flood management strategy. The central elements should be the creation of a waterway to divert floodwaters into the Gulf of Thailand and the construction of dams and flood gates. These measures could achieve similar success as the Delta works in the Netherlands. Extreme measures, such as moving the capital, are also being considered, similar to Indonesia's decision to move Jakarta to Nusantara.[Thailand Tip]

A more comprehensive approach to water management is also called for by the National Water Strategy, which aims at long-term and sustainable management of water resources. This strategy lays the foundation for water protection and includes twenty measures to improve water management by 2030. This includes the development of climate-adapted water infrastructure and the protection of natural water resources.[Federal Environment Agency]

The challenges are clearly defined: climate change, globalization and demographic changes require innovative approaches and collaboration across all sectors. It is high time to integrate these aspects into current policy and planning in order to meet the challenges of the future.