Rising seas threaten Thailand; 30 provinces at risk

Bangkok Post 18 Nov 09;

Thirty provinces in Thailand, including Bangkok, could be devastated by rising sea levels over the next 50 years leading to major economic loss, research shows.

The latest research model regarding climate change formulated by the Asia Institute of Technology's Water Engineering and Management programme shows impact scenarios for rising sea levels in more than 30 provinces along 2,600 kilometres of coastal land.

The study also predicted the impact on the central plain, including Bangkok, head of research Sutat Weesakul said.

The research was conducted for the the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning which organised a climate protection policy conference yesterday.

The impact could be experienced within the next half-century, the researcher said. According to the model, the sea level will rise one metre to five metres from current levels which will have a significant impact on Bangkok which is just 1.5metres to 2 metres above sea level.

When this happens, Sukhumvit Road would have to be raised two metres to prevent inundation.

The country's historical sites such as the World Heritage listed Ayuthaya historical park, the Grand Palace and many royal temples would be flooded.

Another big concern would be salt water intrusion, especially in Bang Pakong and Prachin Buri river basin, he said.

Provinces located above Ang Thong are likely to be safe from inundation, he added."We don't know exactly how much the sea level will increase, but it certainly will increase," he said. "So we have studied economic impact scenarios from 'mild' to 'severe' cases."

Mr Sutat said mangroves and wetlands are considered highly susceptible to rising sea levels.