LIVING WITH FLOODS: MOVING TOWARDS RESILIENT LOCAL-LEVEL ADAPTATION IN CENTRAL THAILAND

Abstract

Through political ecology and pragmatism, this thesis aims at capturing the complexity of flood hazard and the expansion of the range of choice. Empirical data suggest that although the locals view flooding as an unwelcome normal occurrence, changes in people’s lifestyles have altered how they perceive flooding. Elements such as political conflicts and climate change have, additionally, weakened local response mechanisms. In its attempts to deal with flooding, even after the 2011 Mega-Flood, the government has been inclined towards resorting to technological fixes and policies meant to generate wealth for offsetting losses. Social, political, historical, and cultural aspects have been ignored. Participants, however, incorporate these elements into their responses.

By engaging with the participants, it became apparent that to expand the range of choice and to strengthen resilience, it is important to encourage preparedness, promote traditional knowledge, highlight the role of religion, and enhance the role of local government.