More than half of respondents to a Suan Dusit Poll said they lack confidence in the Thai government's ability to manage a potential disaster, following deadly floods in the Nepal-Tibet border area.
The survey, reported by PPTVHD36 on 6 September, found that 84.29% of respondents were most concerned about flooding, flash floods and landslides in Thailand. A further 69.70% said climate change and global warming were the main reasons natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe.
Flooding remains the biggest concern
Despite concerns over official preparedness, many people said they were taking personal precautions. Some 64.46% of those surveyed said they regularly follow news reports and disaster warnings.
Dr Pornphan Buathong, chair of Suan Dusit Poll at Suan Dusit University, said the survey reflected public concern about disasters that may be imminent, partly because of climate change.
While people are preparing themselves, confidence in the government's response remains low, she said. The government should urgently strengthen preparations including early-warning systems, emergency assistance and post-disaster relief in order to improve public confidence and ensure safety.
A total of 53.19% of respondents said they did not have confidence in the government's ability to deal with possible disasters in Thailand. Meanwhile, 68.65% wanted authorities to give priority to environmental problems and reduce factors that worsen natural disasters.
A long-running national problem
Dr Monthol Suwanprapha, chair of the Environmental Health and Disaster Management Programme at Suan Dusit University's Faculty of Science and Technology, said flooding had remained a major national crisis when considering disasters in Thailand over the past decade.
Floods have long affected Thai communities, he said, and their repeated nature may have led society to accept them as unavoidable, despite many losses potentially being preventable.
Visitors and expats should keep local contact details and accommodation information accessible during periods of severe weather, and check conditions before travelling through rural or mountainous areas. Those in affected locations should follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services.
Picture courtesy of TNR
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7 September 2026
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