Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Institutional traps and vulnerability to changes in climate and flood regimes in Thailand

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Regional Environmental Change Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Vulnerabilities to floods in Thailand are changing as a result of many factors. Formal and informal institutions help shape exposure, sensitivity and capacities to respond of individuals, social groups and social-ecological systems. In this paper we draw on several case studies of flood events and flood-affected communities to first assess how current practices reflect various laws, procedures, programs and policies for managing floods and disasters and then explore the implications for dealing with additional challenges posed by climate change. Our analysis identifies several institutional traps which need to be overcome if vulnerability is to be reduced, namely capture of agendas by technical elites, single-level or centralized concentration of capacities, organizational fragmentation and overemphasis on reactive crisis management. Possible responses are to expand public participation in managing risks, build adaptive capacities at multiple levels and link them, integrate flood disaster management and climate change adaptation into development planning, prioritize risk reduction for socially vulnerable groups and strengthen links between knowledge and practice. Responses like these could help reduce vulnerabilities under current climate and flood regimes, while also improving capacities to handle the future which every way that unfolds.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adger NW (2000) Institutional adaptation to environmental risk under the transition in Vietnam. Ann Assoc Am Geogr 90:738–758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adger NW (2001) Scales of governance and environmental justice for adaptation and mitigation of climate change. J Int Dev 13:921–931

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adger NW (2006) Vulnerability. Glob Environ Change 16:268–281

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ADPC (2000) Community based disaster management. Trainer’s guide. Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bangkok

    Google Scholar 

  • Aeerts J, Droogers P (2009) Adapting to climate change in the water sector. In: Ludwig F, Kabat P, van Schaik H, van der Valk M (eds) Climate change adaptation in the water sector. Earthscan, London, pp 87–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Assanangkornchai S, Tangboonngam S, Edwards JG (2004) The flooding of Hat Yai: predictors of adverse emotional responses to a natural disaster. Stress Health 20:81–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Atsamon L, Sangchan L, Thavivongse S (2009) Assessment of extreme weather events along the coastal areas of Thailand. In: 89th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting

  • Bangkok Post (2008a) A disaster in the Making. Editorial. Bangkok Post, 17 May 2008, Bangkok

  • Bangkok Post (2008b) Gulf communities ‘face devastation’. Bangkok Post, 15 August 2008, Bangkok

  • Bangkok Post (2008c) Storm surge fears. Is the threat real? Bangkok Post, 5 October 2008, Bangkok

  • Berkes F (2007) Understanding uncertainty and reducing vulnerability: lessons from resilience thinking. Nat Hazards 41:283–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BMA, GLF, UNEP (2009) Bangkok assessment report on climate change 2009. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Green Leaf Foundation, United Nations Environment Programme, Bangkok

  • Burton I, van Aalst MK (1999) Come hell or high water: Integrating climate change vulnerability and adaptation into Bank work. World Bank Environment Department Papers, 72. The World Bank, Washington, DC

  • Carpenter SR, Brock WA (2008) Adaptive capacity and traps. Ecol Soc 13:40. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol13/iss2/art40/

    Google Scholar 

  • Chinvanno S, Souvannalath S, Lersupavithnapa B, Kerdsuk V, Thuan NTH (2008a) Climate risks and rice farming in the lower Mekong River countries. In: Leary N, Adejuwon J, Barros V, Burton I, Kulkarni J, Lasco R (eds) Climate change and vulnerability. Earthscan, London, pp 333–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Chinvanno S, Souvannalath S, Lersupavithnapa B, Kerdsuk V, Thuan NTH (2008b) Strategies for managing climate risks in the Lower Mekong River Basin: a place-based approach. In: Leary N, Adejuwon J, Barros V, Burton I, Kulkarni J, Lasco R (eds) Climate change and adaptation. Earthscan, London, pp 228–246

    Google Scholar 

  • Chuenniran A (2008) Thais warned of storms in Nargis’ wake: cyclone weakens but parts of country at risk. Bangkok Post, 8 May 08, Bangkok

  • DDPM (2006) Thailand country report. Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Interior, Thailand

    Google Scholar 

  • Eastham J, Mpelaskoka F, Mainuddin M, Ticehurst C, Dyce P, Hodgson G, Ali R, Kirby M (2008) Mekong river basin water resources assessment: impacts of climate change. CSIRO: water for a healthy country National Research Flagship

  • Elster J (1992) Local justice: how institutions allocate scarce goods and necessary burdens. Russell Sage Foundation, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Few R (2003) Flooding, vulnerability and coping strategies: local responses to a global threat. Prog Dev Stud 3:43–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Folke C, Hahn T, Olsson P, Norberg J (2005) Adaptive governance of social-ecological systems. Annu Rev Environ Resour 30:441–473

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friend R (2007) Securing sustainable livelihoods through wise use of wetland resources: reflections on the experience of the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme (MWBP). Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme, Vientianne, Lao PDR

  • Fussel H-M (2007) Vulnerability: a generally applicable conceptual framework for climate change research. Glob Environ Change 17:155–167

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gallopin G (2006) Linkages between vulnerability, resilience and adaptive capacity. Glob Environ Change 16:293–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garden P (2007) The Chiang Mai floods of 2005. USER Working Paper WP-2007-19. Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai

  • Government of Thailand (2007) Royal Gazette, vol 124 Part 52 A, 7 September 2007 (B.E. 2550). Government of Thailand

  • Hallegatte S (2009) Strategies to adapt to an uncertain climate change. Glob Environ Change 19:240–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hongthong P (2006) Farmers upset over huge floodwater diversions. The Nation: Bangkok, 6 December 2006

  • IPCC (2007) Climate change 2007: the physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

  • Kamolvej T (2006) The integration of intergovernmental coordination and information management in response to immediate crises: Thailand emergency management. Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburg

    Google Scholar 

  • Koch IC, Vogel C, Patel Z (2007) Institutional dynamics and climate change adaptation in South Africa. Mitig Adapt Strat Glob Change 12:1323–1339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lakanavichian S (2001) Forest policy and history in Thailand. Research Centre on Forest and People in Thailand, University of Aarhus, Denmark

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebel L (2007) Adapting to climate change. Global Asia 2:15–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebel L, Sinh BT (2007) Politics of floods and disasters. In: Lebel L, Dore J, Daniel R, Koma YS (eds) Democratizing water governance in the Mekong region. Mekong Press, Chiang Mai, pp 37–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebel L, Sinh B (2009) Risk reduction or redistribution? Flood management in the Mekong region. Asian J Environ Disaster Manage 1:23–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebel L, Anderies JM, Campbell B, Folke C, Hatfield-Dodds S, Hughes T, Wilson J (2006a) Governance and the capacity to manage resilience in regional social-ecological systems. Ecol Soc 11(1):11:19. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol11/iss1/art19/

  • Lebel L, Nikitina E, Kotov V, Manuta J (2006b) Assessing institutionalized capacities and practices to reduce the risks of flood disasters. In: Birkmann J (ed) Measuring vulnerability to natural hazards: towards disaster resilient societies. United Nations University Press, Tokyo, pp 359–379

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebel P, Chaibu P, Lebel L (2006c) Fish farm management practices in the upper Ping River, northern Thailand. USER Working Paper WP-2006-07. Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai

  • Lebel L, Nikitina E, Sinh BT (2008) Climate change and the science and practice of managing floods in urbanizing regions of Monsoon Asia. MAIRS Working Paper Series #4. Monsoon Asia Integrated Regional Study International Project Office and the Institute for Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing

  • Lebel L, Foran T, Garden P, Manuta BJ (2009a) Adaptation to climate change and social justice: challenges for flood and disaster management in Thailand. In: Ludwig F, Kabat P, van Schaik H, van der Valk M (eds) Climate change adaptation in the water sector. Earthscan, London, pp 125–141

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebel L, Garden P, Subsin N, Nan SN (2009b) Averted crises, contested transitions: water management in the Upper Ping River basin, northern Thailand. In: Huitema D, Meijerink S (eds) Water policy entrepreneurs. A research companion to water transitions around the globe. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, pp 137–157

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebel L, Sinh BT, Garden P, Seng S, Tuan LA, Truc DV (2009c) The promise of flood protection: dykes and dams, drains and diversions. In: Molle F, Foran T, Kakonen J (eds) Contested waterscapes in the Mekong region. Earthscan, London, pp 283–306

    Google Scholar 

  • Limjirakan S, Limsakul A, Sriburi T (2009) Increasing trend of extreme rain events over Bangkok metropolitan area. In: 89th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting

  • Maiklad P (1999) Development and achievements in flood control and management in Thailand. In: UN-ESCAP (ed) Regional cooperation in the 21st century in flood control and management in Asia and the Pacific. United Nations, New York, pp 59–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Manuta J, Khrutmuang S, Huaisai D, Lebel L (2006) Institutionalized incapacities and practice in flood disaster management in Thailand. Sci Cult 72:10–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Molle F (2008) Nirvana concepts, narratives and policy models: insights from the water sector. Water Alternat 1:23–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Mollinga P, Meinzen-Dick R, Merrey D (2007) Politics, plurality and problemsheds: a strategic approach for reform of agricultural water resources management. Dev Policy Rev 25:699–719

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MRC (2009) Climate change adaptation in the Lower Mekong Basin countries. Regional synthesis report. Climate change and adaptation initiative. Mekong River Commission, Vientiane

  • Naess LO, Bang O, Eriksen S, Vevatne J (2005) Institutional adaptation to climate change: flood responses at the municipal level in Norway. Glob Environ Change 15:125–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • NESDB, UNEP, TEI (2008) National sustainable development strategy for Thailand: a guidance manual. Office of National Economic and Social Development Board, United Nations Environment Programme, Thailand Environment Institute, Bangkok

  • Nikitina E (2006) Success and failures in flood risk reduction programs across Asia: some lessons learned. Sci Cult 72:72–83

    Google Scholar 

  • OEPP (2000) Thailand’s initial National communication under the United Nations framework convention on climate change. Office of Environmental Policy and Planning, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Bangkok

  • ONEP (2007) Five-year strategy on climate change (2008-12). Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment

  • Ostrom E (2005) Understanding institutional diversity. Princeton University Press, New Jersey

    Google Scholar 

  • Paavola J, Adger NW (2006) Fair adaptation to climate change. Ecol Econ 56:594–609

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pahl-Wostl C (2007) Transitions towards adaptive management of water facing climate and global change. Water Resour Manage 21:49–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pahl-Wostl C (2009) A conceptual framework for analyzing adaptive capacity and multi-level learning processes in resource governance regimes. Glob Environ Change 19:345–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phien-Wej N, Nutalaya P, Aung Z, Zhibin T (1993) Catastrophic landslides and debris flows in Thailand. Bull Eng Geol Environ 48:93–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Polterovich V (2001) Institutional traps. In: Klein L, Porner M (eds) The new Russia: transition gone awry. Stanford University Press, Stanford, pp 93–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma D, Gupta AD, Babel MS (2007) Spatial disaggregation of bias-corrected GCM precipitation for improved hydrologic simulation: Ping River Basin, Thailand. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci Discuss 4:35–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singhrattna N, Rajagopalan B, Kumar KK, Clark M (2005) Interannual and interdecadal variability of Thailand summer monsoon season. J Clim 18:1697–1708

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siribakdi K (2008) Water worries. Bangkok Post, Bangkok, 10 April 2008

  • Smit B, Wandel J (2006) Adaptation, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability. Glob Environ Change 16:282–292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sukpanich T (2008) Storm warning. Bangkok Post, Bangkok, 11 May 08

  • Takeuchi K (2001) Increasing vulnerability to extreme floods and societal needs of hydrological forecasting. J Hydrol Sci 46:869–881

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tanavud C, Yongchalermchai C, Bennui A, Densreeserekul O (2004) Assessment of flood risk in Hat Yai municipality, Southern Thailand, using GIS. J Nat Disaster Sci 26:1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tangwisutijit N (2007) Bangkok will be underwater, experts predict. The Nation, Bangkok, 26 June 2007

  • Tangwisutijit N (2008) Millions of Bangkokians at risk. The Nation. 2 January 2008. Bangkok

  • The Nation (2006) Large areas ‘needed for overflows’. The Nation, Bangkok, 12 October 2006

  • The Nation (2007) Call to learn lessons and brace for disasters. The Nation, Bangkok, 22 December 2007

  • Thomas DSG, Twyman C (2005) Equity and justice in climate change adaptation amongst natural-resource-dependent societies. Glob Environ Change 15:115–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Beek E (2009) Managing water under current climate variability. In: Ludwig F, Kabat P, van Schaik H, van der Valk M (eds) Climate change adaptation in the water sector. Earthscan, London, pp 51–77

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker B, Carpenter SR, Anderies J, Abel N, Cumming GS, Janssen MA, Lebel L, Norberg J, Peterson GD, Pritchard L (2002) Resilience management in social-ecological systems: a working hypothesis for a participatory approach. Conserv Ecol 6:14. [Online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol6/iss1/art14

    Google Scholar 

  • Wickramanayake E, Shook GA, Rojnkureesatien T (1995) Rehabilitation planning for flood affected areas of Thailand: experience from Phipun District. Disasters 19:348–355

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wipatayotin A (2007) Group floats plan to keep rising sea out. Bangkok Post, Bangkok, Thailand

  • Young OR (2002) The institutional dimensions of environmental change: fit, interplay and scale. MIT Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuthavong Y (2007) Thai strategies to fight climate change. The Nation, Bangkok, 26 December 2007

Download references

Acknowledgments

The Packard Foundation through the START International Secretariat is thanked for their support to Jesse Manuta. The Asia–Pacific Network for Global Environmental Change Research, START and the Challenge Program for Water and Food (PN50 funded by Echel Eau and International Fund for Agriculture Development) provided support to Po Garden and Louis Lebel. The paper was finalized with support from the Twin2Go Project funded by the European Commission FP7. The paper is a contribution to the IHDP Earth System Governance Project and Mekong Program on Water, Environment and Resilience. We thank Rajesh Daniel, Lilibeth Acosta-Michlik, and two anonymous reviewers for constructive feedback on earlier drafts of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50202, Thailand

    Louis Lebel

  2. School of Arts and Sciences, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, The Philippines

    Jesse B. Manuta

  3. Internews, Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Po Garden

Authors
  1. Louis Lebel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jesse B. Manuta
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Po Garden
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Louis Lebel.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lebel, L., Manuta, J.B. & Garden, P. Institutional traps and vulnerability to changes in climate and flood regimes in Thailand. Reg Environ Change 11, 45–58 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-010-0118-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-010-0118-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation