COMMUNITY FLOOD RESILIENCE IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study communities' ability to cope with and recover from catastrophic flooding in Central and Northern Thailand by applying quantitative research methods. The study area consists of 2 communities in Ayutthaya (Pratuchin and Ban Phu Khao Thong communities), and 2 communities in Nan (Phumin - Tha Li, and Ban Huai Kang - Dong Pasak). The researcher collected data from a total of 342 households to measure the communities' ability in how they cope with and recover from catastrophic flooding. The researcher used the statistical tools of frequency, percentage, average, standard deviation, and level of resilience in data analysis.

The study result reveals that the communities have been able to cope with and recover from flooding in the areas of natural, physical and institutional abilities at a low level. In the social area, it was rated low to moderate, while the economic, and community capital areas were rated moderate to high. Based on the study results, the researcher suggests recommendations as guidance for the community to cope with and recover from catastrophic flooding consistent with the community context as follows: the community should prepare an integrated plan for response measures and recovery from catastrophic flooding. Priority should be given to human resource development, especially children and youth, and the knowledge and skills on how to deal with disasters effectively.