Thailand's Economy Faces Heavy Economic Burden from Tropical Storms

[webfact]

FILe photo

 

Thailand is grappling with escalating economic challenges as heavy rains and flooding wreak havoc across its provinces. Notably, tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai and Phuket are suffering, threatening the national economy. 

 

In northern Chiang Rai, flash floods and landslides triggered by Super Cyclone Yagi have inflicted significant damage. This storm, having ravaged Vietnam and bringing severe rains to Myanmar and Thailand, has left an indelible mark. The Federation of Thai Industries estimates an economic toll of up to 27 billion baht from the initial flooding wave.

 

Subsequently, Lampang and Chiang Mai experienced flash floods from Tropical Storm Soulik. According to Krungsri Research, total losses from this year’s flooding could rise to 46.5 billion baht, equating to 0.27% of the country's GDP.

 

Efficient disaster management by the government and proactive measures by the private sector, such as enhancing water drainage systems, could mitigate these impacts. The aftermath could be less severe than the devastating 2011 floods if precautions are in place, according to the research.

The future economic burden also depends on how many storms from the Pacific Ocean will hit Thailand. “About nine storms are expected to develop in the Pacific, but only about 10% might make landfall in Thailand,” explains Seree Supratid, director at Rangsit University’s Climate Change Center. This uncertainty adds to the economic tension.

 

Compared to countries like Vietnam, Thailand's geographical positioning provides some respite as it is less prone to direct impacts from super typhoons. Nevertheless, the nation cannot avoid heavy rains and consequential damage.

 

Experts warn that severe flooding in Bangkok, the nation’s financial hub, could be catastrophic. Rising sea levels pose a long-term threat, and authorities are exploring strategies such as land reclamation to protect vulnerable areas, reported Thai PBS. 

 

Proactive planning and significant investment in disaster preparedness are crucial to safeguard Thailand's economic stability in the face of these recurring natural disasters.

 

-- 2024-10-01

 

[Tropicalevo]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

Notably, tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai and Phuket are suffering,

 

It's been sunny pretty much all year here on Koh Samui, especially where I live.

We could do with a bit of rain though.

[watchcat]

26 minutes ago, webfact said:

Notably, tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai and Phuket are suffering, threatening the national economy. 

 

Well change your plans....

[ikke1959]

It is easy to blame a storm for the failing management of the past years....Of course a storm will damage properties, but what is ever done to keep the impact low.. Never built a dike to prevent floods, never cleaned canals and waterways, they sell lands to built houses near rivers, concrete every where the water cant go any where  and many more, while climate change is already going on for years, but there are no plans  in Thailand... only try to solve problems as they occur instead of preventing them

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

It is easy to blame a storm for the failing management of the past years....Of course a storm will damage properties, but what is ever done to keep the impact low.. Never built a dike to prevent floods, never cleaned canals and waterways, they sell lands to built houses near rivers, concrete every where the water cant go any where  and many more, while climate change is already going on for years, but there are no plans  in Thailand... only try to solve problems as they occur instead of preventing them

As Thai officials don't know this, please be advised to write a letter to Paetongtarn. She needs your expertise!!!!!

[John Drake]

The Shins don't do preventative maintenance. They don't even notice until the floodwaters are on their way downstream. But--

During Prayuth's time:

 

Phutthamonthon Sai 3 (where I live) had a massive project to replace the old drainage system. So did my village just off Sai 3. And every two years maintenance teams came through to clean the drains. Same with the canals at the top of the village and all along Borom. Meanwhile, the last time the Shins were in charge 80cm of water flooded my house for almost three months.

[BarraMarra]

Well at least there not blaming Covid.

[Purdey]

They had 2011 as a lesson learned.

They didn't learn.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Well change your plans....

What plans would that be?

 

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Efficient disaster management by the government and proactive measures by the private sector, such as enhancing water drainage systems, could mitigate these impacts

But that takes real planning, expenditure and governors that care.

 

[Celsius]

Farang dodged a bullet. Can not blame

[johng]

 

 

 

Economy Faces Heavy Economic Burden

"What can be, unburdened by what has been" ??????

[johng]

1 minute ago, Celsius said:

Farang dodged a bullet. Can not blame

Yes those white devil climate destroyers   didn't open the dams further up the Mekong river  ...yet !!!  😋 

[kwilco]

41 minutes ago, johng said:

Yes those white devil climate destroyers   didn't open the dams further up the Mekong river  ...yet !!!  😋 

Mwkong doesn't realy drain into THailand very much. It's the Chaopraya basin that we should be watching.

[kwilco]

so what's the forecast for Bangkok this week?

the floods are subsiding in Chiang Mai but that means they are all draining down towards BKK>