Thailand’s Flood Situation in 2024: Impact and Future Strategies
Thailand has experienced severe flooding in 2024 due to the movement of tropical storms and the southwest monsoon, which has caused heavy rainfall across multiple regions. In particular, storms originating from the South China Sea have significantly influenced flooding in low-lying areas and natural water pathways. This issue has been exacerbated by climate change, leading to erratic weather patterns and prolonged rainy seasons. The flooding has had a severe impact on Thailand’s agricultural sector, which is a fundamental pillar of the economy. As a result, 30% of agricultural employment can no longer drive economic growth.
Additionally, climate change has further worsened conditions for the agricultural sector, affecting production and the financial stability of farmers. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, between July and September 2024, flooding and landslides caused damage to approximately 1.28 million rai of agricultural land. This includes 1 million rai of rice fields and 600,000–700,000 rai of horticultural crops. To mitigate these damages and stimulate economic circulation, the government has allocated a budget of 183 billion baht.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimate that the economic loss from the 2024 floods amounts to 29.85 billion baht, equivalent to 0.17% of the GDP. The total affected area is approximately 3 million rai, with 1,166,992 rai being agricultural land and 1,826,812 rai classified as other areas.
The agricultural sector has suffered the most, accounting for losses of 24.5 billion baht or 82.3% of total damages. The service sector follows with damages of 5.12 billion baht, while the industrial sector has faced relatively minor losses of 171 million baht. This aligns with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) report, which states that at least 36 provinces in Thailand have been impacted.
Beyond providing relief to those affected by the floods, the government is also pushing for Thai farmers to adopt advanced technology through the Agriculture Hub initiative. Thailand is well-positioned to become a leader in this sector but requires support from various stakeholders. Promoting the use of modern technology will help mitigate disaster risks and enhance productivity, enabling the country to address environmental challenges effectively.
This initiative will also strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness in the global market by integrating smart farming tools and fostering collaboration with research institutions to develop new agricultural solutions. Moreover, farmers need access to financial resources, policy support, and training programs to navigate ongoing challenges. International collaborations, such as those with the European Union, have further supported sustainable food production and enhanced Thailand’s position in the global agricultural market.
“The global agricultural sector is highly competitive, and institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB) have invested heavily in promoting sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia. To maintain its leadership in this field, Thailand must develop strategic approaches and leverage agricultural technology to become a global Agriculture Hub.”
In line with this vision, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has introduced plans to encourage Thai farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies. This includes establishing Agricultural Learning Centers across multiple regions, where farmers can acquire knowledge and apply technological innovations in their fields. Additionally, fostering cooperation between farmers, businesses, and researchers will drive continuous agricultural innovation.
Thailand has significant potential to become a global Agriculture Hub, thanks to its vast and diverse agricultural lands. However, human resource development, technological adoption, and government support will be key factors in ensuring sustainability and strengthening Thailand’s agricultural competitiveness in the global market.
One critical initiative is the Organic Agriculture Action Plan (2023–2027), which aims to minimize environmental impacts and enhance food quality. Sustainable agriculture development requires a multifaceted approach to build a resilient agricultural system capable of adapting to future challenges.
Thailand has also collaborated with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to advance New Breeding Technology (NBT), particularly in genome editing, through joint research and regulatory development. Between August 24–29, 2024, Thailand and the U.S. worked together to explore how these technologies could enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness while addressing food security concerns and climate change adaptation.
The path to becoming a global agricultural hub is challenging, but Thailand has the potential to succeed. If all sectors work together, sustainable agricultural transformation will not only benefit the economy but also improve the quality of life for farmers and communities, ensuring a secure and sustainable future.
Source: Spring News
