การศึกษาแนวทางการบริหารจัดการอุทกภัยในลุ่มน้ำคลองอู่ตะเภาโดยการกำหนดแนวน้ำหลาก

Abstract

The Study of Flood Management in U-Tapao Canal Basin: Designating the Flood Way

The purpose of the present study was to identify a suitable area for the flood way of the U-Tapao canal in order to handle a flood disaster. It was also aimed at seeking the common agreement of all stakeholder groups in relation to the consequence of the flood way designation. Individual and focus group interviews of the selected samples were carried out to collect data which were subsequently analyzed qualitatively. Results showed that most sample groups agreed that designating flood ways would lead to 2 benefits: (1) the urban areas would be saved from the flood; and (2) the business investment confidence in the area would go up. However, there should be sound compensation for the affected people residing in the flood way area and prudent flood management to reduce the impact of the flood. In addition, legal measures should be established for designating flood ways along with preparing a comprehensive city plan for Hat Yai City. Each municipality should issue a soil reclamation law. Regarding tax incentives, taxes on billboards and property in the flood way area should be reduced. Conversely, more taxes should be collected from the households or entrepreneurs who benefit from by the flood way plan. Considering social measures, the taxes collected should be spent on improving the quality of life of those living in the affected areas. The money could also be spent on developing the ecotourism of the area, which includes the existing floating markets along the canal. Equally important, the offices responsible for handling flood problem should develop the system, modes, and channels of flood warning. Moreover, plans for flood management, including evacuation, and assistance provision for all households should be made.