Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong has visited vulnerable coastal areas in Samut Prakan and Bangkok to monitor the worsening effects of climate change, including severe shoreline erosion and the steady rise of sea levels in the upper Gulf of Thailand.

 

Mr Prasert toured several key locations at risk, including Wat Khun Samut Chin in Phra Samut Chedi District, the coastal area of Khlong Dan in Bang Bo District and the coastal boundary of Bangkok in Bang Khun Thian. He was accompanied by the Commander of the Royal Thai Naval Academy in Samut Prakan, provincial governor Suphamit Chinnasri and Dr Pirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment.

Officials reported the latest data on coastal erosion and sea level rise, which pose increasing threats to both urban and rural communities. Mr Prasert stressed the urgent need for a systematic and long-term adaptation strategy, including a national master plan to protect key coastal zones.

 

“The upper Gulf coastline, particularly in Samut Prakan and Bangkok, is facing critical challenges due to the rising sea level and erosion,” Mr Prasert said. “Over 12 million people live in these areas, which include major economic and community zones. Without intervention, the impacts could be devastating.”

 

He cited the areas most affected, including Bang Khun Thian, Pak Khlong Khun Ratchapinitchai, Ban Khun Samut Chin and Ban Laem Sing. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted scientific projections showing that sea levels could rise by approximately 0.5 metres by 2050 and potentially reach 1 metre by 2100.

 

The consequences include the permanent loss of coastline, inland flooding along major river basins such as the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Tha Chin and Bang Pakong and the intrusion of saltwater, which threatens both tap water production and agriculture.

 

In response, the government has tasked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with developing a Master Plan for Coastal Erosion and Sea Level Rise Mitigation. This will include a comprehensive analysis of economic, social, environmental and ecological impacts and will incorporate:

 

• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

• Stakeholder consultations in affected communities

• Cost-benefit analysis of infrastructure investment

• Long-term development strategies to ensure economic resilience of coastal communities

 

The master plan is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, forming the foundation for integrated action across relevant agencies and laying out a national response to climate change impacts in the upper Gulf.

 

The government hopes this initiative will lead to tangible and coordinated solutions that protect Thailand’s coastal regions, people, and ecosystems from increasingly severe environmental risks.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-08

 

 

 

7 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong has visited vulnerable coastal areas in Samut Prakan and Bangkok to monitor the worsening effects of climate change, including severe shoreline erosion and the steady rise of sea levels in the upper Gulf of Thailand.

did he bring a bucket and spade