SDGs Goal
SDSN Thailand’s Research and Support Plan for Cross-Sectoral Implementation System to Accelerate the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals for the 2030 Development Agenda has two important objectives. Firstly, it is to study and develop policy proposals to accelerate the implementation of critical SDG sub-goals, identified through synthesizing SDG situation assessments for Thailand from various sources. Secondly, it is also to study and develop policy proposals to support non-governmental sector participation in driving SDG achievements, focusing on policy areas for NGOs. Interestingly, they have laid out plans such as the project launch and the presentation of the synthesis of Thailand’s SDG status including the cross-sectoral discussions on the country’s direction for the second half of SDGs. The plan includes the launch of, and a critical discussion of the assessment results of the SDG Index 2023. Moreover, there are many sub-projects with a number of SDG sub-goals to tap into such as sustainable agriculture, waste management, increasing conservation, marine and coastal protected areas and protecting biodiversity, reducing corruption and bribery and supporting civil society participation in driving SDG goals. Nevertheless, one of the sub-projects with a sub-goal that sounds like an urgent issue is the integration of the social vulnerability index to climate change into land use planning, with a case study in Bangkok and its vicinity.
Thailand is grappling with significant social vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, which are increasingly being integrated into land use planning and policy proposals aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country, ranked as the 9th most affected by climate change from 2000 to 2019, faces rising temperatures, severe flooding, and prolonged droughts, all of which disproportionately impact its poorest communities.
The impacts of climate change in Thailand are multifaceted, affecting agriculture, public health, and urban infrastructure. Approximately 12 million farmers, constituting about 1 in 6 of the Thai population, are particularly vulnerable. They face challenges such as heat stress, flooding, and changing precipitation patterns, which threaten their livelihoods and food security. The agricultural sector, which occupies nearly half of Thailand’s land area and employs a significant portion of the workforce, is at the forefront of these climate challenges.
Moreover, social inequalities exacerbate vulnerabilities. Lower-income households often lack the resources for effective adaptation strategies, such as irrigation systems or air conditioning, which are becoming increasingly necessary due to rising temperatures. Historical data indicates that during past disasters, wealthier households received more government compensation than poorer ones, highlighting systemic inequities in disaster response.
Recognizing these vulnerabilities, Thailand is beginning to incorporate climate change considerations into land use planning. The government has integrated climate change into its national economic and social development plans since 2007, with a focus on poverty eradication and sustainable urbanization. This integration includes measures for disaster risk reduction, such as pre-emptive evacuations and improved data collection on climate impacts, which are crucial for effective policy-making.
Urban areas, particularly Bangkok and surrounding provinces, are increasingly at risk due to rapid urbanization and climate impacts. By 2040, it is projected that 74.3% of Thailand’s population will live in urban settings, further straining resources and infrastructure. The government is thus prioritizing sustainable urban planning that accounts for climate resilience, aiming to mitigate the risks posed by flooding and heatwaves.
Recent policy proposals aim to accelerate the implementation of critical SDG sub-goals, particularly those related to climate action and sustainable cities. These proposals emphasize the need for inclusive planning processes that consider the voices of marginalized communities, ensuring that adaptation measures are equitable and effective.
Additionally, initiatives such as the Reinventing Universities or Area-based Development programs aim to enhance climate education and awareness among the population, fostering a culture of resilience and preparedness. By aligning land use planning with climate adaptation strategies, Thailand seeks not only to address immediate vulnerabilities but also to promote long-term sustainability and equity across its diverse communities.
Thailand’s journey towards integrating climate change into land use planning reflects a broader recognition of the interconnectedness of social vulnerability and environmental challenges. As the nation confronts these pressing issues, the focus on equitable policy-making and sustainable development will be crucial in safeguarding the livelihoods of its most vulnerable populations while working towards the ambitious targets set by the SDGs.
