Bangkok Engineers Battle Rising Tides, Protecting Coastline
Bangkok is grappling with severe coastal erosion, particularly in Bang Khunthian district. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is employing a multifaceted approach to combat this escalating environmental challenge. The encroaching sea, worsened by climate change and rising sea levels in the upper Gulf of Thailand, poses a significant threat to Bangkok and neighboring provinces like Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon.
Jessada Chandraprabha, Director of the BMA’s Drainage and Sewerage Department, recently detailed ongoing efforts to protect the capital’s vulnerable shoreline. A key initiative, funded by the BMA, is the construction of a robust 4.7-kilometer stone wave barrier. Currently in the procurement phase, this structure is designed to deflect wave erosion, trap sediment, and enrich the soil, fostering the growth of protective mangrove forests. This mimics natural coastal defenses and aims for a sustainable solution.
This ambitious project is part of a broader collaborative effort. The BMA’s Drainage and Sewerage Department is working closely with agencies, including the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), to develop and implement long-term strategies to mitigate coastal erosion and address rising sea levels. A January 29th meeting with agency representatives underscored the urgency and the need for sustained commitment. These collaborations pool resources and expertise to combat coastal degradation.
The Bang Khunthian district office, leading this effort since 2016, has implemented a localized, community-driven approach. With public and private sector support and crucial local resident involvement, the district constructed a 2.2-kilometer bamboo wave buffer—a readily available and sustainable material. This provides immediate protection and showcases community-based initiatives. Furthermore, recognizing the vital role of mangrove forests, the district office oversaw the planting of over 107,000 mangrove saplings, expanding the mangrove forest by 233 rai (approximately 92 acres). This underscores the importance of protecting and restoring natural ecosystems to mitigate coastal erosion.
The BMA’s strategy combines large-scale infrastructure projects with smaller, community-based initiatives. The combination of innovative engineering solutions, like the stone wave barrier, and nature-based solutions, such as mangrove reforestation, offers a comprehensive approach. Ongoing data collection and sea level monitoring, in partnership with organizations like the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, ensures evidence-based decision-making. This research will inform future strategies and ensure effective resource deployment to safeguard Bangkok’s coastline for generations. The challenge of coastal erosion demands long-term commitment and innovative thinking; Bangkok’s multifaceted approach serves as a valuable model for other coastal communities facing similar threats.
