Thailand is one of the 16 countries identified globally as being in the ‘extreme risk’ category of those most vulnerable to future climate change impacts over the next 30 years, as outlined in Thailand’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions. Thailand is predicted to be experiencing increasing drought and severe flood events as a result of global warming.

Authorities in Thailand have started to contact and warn local residents in “risk areas” to start saving water in the case of a potential upcoming drought. To add to this, the El Niño phenomenon increased the risk of the looming drought crisis in Thailand, starting in July of last year which resulted in less rainfall. El Niño refers to a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, this affects weather conditions and marine life all across the globe. Thailand is also part of the so-called “Ring of Fire” making it vulnerable to many natural other hazards such as forest fires, landslides and floods.

Authorities claim they have already determined what regions are most likely to experience the worst effects of the impending drought and they are putting together measures to conserve enough water to last for the entire year. National parks are also doing their part to help wildlife survive bushfires and droughts by filling up ponds in mountains with water to prevent animals from dehydration. Water is fundamental to human health and wellbeing since it is necessary for human health and well-being, energy and food production and healthy ecosystems. However, decades of poor water management, excessive groundwater extraction, and contaminated freshwater supplies are contributing to increasing water stress and have harmed ecosystems that depend on water. This has detrimental effects on human health, economic activity, and other factors around the planet.

Thailand’s agricultural sector in particular will be impacted by changing precipitation patterns with increasingly common extreme rain events and floods, as well as more extensive drought periods, which particularly affect vulnerable households. With climate extremes expected to increase, climate-informed water management and climate-resilient water infrastructure will be critical in order to prepare for and respond to floods and droughts.