Flood in Thailand: Assessing Institutionalised Capacities to Reduce Vulnerability

• Published in: Social Change (New Delhi) 2012-09, Vol.42 (3), p.411-423
• Main Author: Mishra, Sujit Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Civil Society; Committees; Disasters; Economic Policy; Public Officials; Risk; State Intervention; Thailand; Vulnerability
• ISSN: 0049-0857; 0976-3538
• DOI: 10.1177/0049085712454064

During the monsoons in Thailand, floods pose significant risks to the country’s population. Yet, despite its regular occurrence, the magnitude of economic losses arising from the consequences is poorly understood. This article focuses on the policy framework and institutional capacity of Thailand for handling the disaster effectively. Evidences based on review of documents and reports, interviews with government department officials and field observations have hinted at improved institutional performances, such as early warning mechanism at grassroots level and emergency relief services, besides the formation of an emergency committee at the outset of the monsoon season in flood-prone areas. The analysis and findings of this article identify several institutional incapacities in terms of weak extension services, poor coordination across administrative bodies and line agencies, dysfunctional relationship between the planner and the affected groups, poor implementation and skewed government intervention which lead to suboptimal output. Hence, it is suggested that in order to minimise losses in such a situation, it is necessary that a system be created for increasing preparedness at all levels, that is, government, civil society and community, to effectively reactivate these institutions in performing the roles they are intended for.