THE economic damages caused by severe flooding and droughts in Thailand could potentially reach 36 billion baht for this year.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned that manufacturers are worried about drought as it may severely affect the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, further delaying the country’s already slow-moving exports.
The same agency also warned that Thailand’s eastern region, where the government’s flagship investment project Eastern Economic Corridor is being developed, is at risk of water scarcity.
The water level in Kwan Phayao, Thailand’s fourth-largest freshwater lake and considered the most beautiful, dropped to just 5 percent, as the natural wonder runs dry due to an extended drought.
Meanwhile, the weather bureau has warned the public to be wary of flash floods especially those living near waterways and lowlands, with thundershowers forecasted for most of the country from June 7 to 10.
In February of this year, the director of the Climate Change and Disaster Center predicted that Thailand is likely to suffer another “mega-flood” in the next decade similar to what happened in 2011.
Thailand is considered highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
