Enhancing Flood Management Plan (FMP) Through Integration Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Thailand: The Case of Ayutthaya

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, deforestation and disaster management system exacerbated the risk of flooding in Thailand. In 2011, Thailand had learned the lessons from its experience of the mega flood disaster that point to the requirement of better solutions to reduce damage to property and human life. This article presents the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Flood Management Framework (SEAFMF) in the existing flood management plan. This study aims to investigate how SEA can be integrated into Thailand’s flood management plan using an appropriate flood management framework. The methodology includes content analysis of qualitative and quantitative data based on a review of existing research, interviews with relevant organizations, and focus group discussions. The results show that the strategic environmental assessment approach can be used in decision making regarding the adaptation framework. As the pilot case, is a partially integrated model, more effective SEA should be completely done by establishing the appropriate legal framework and authority to directly responsible. The results could provide example of integration SEA into FMP, adaptation to climate change, and disaster management for other areas.