BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s capital was warned it could sink beneath the sea within this century unless it undergoes a radical transformation to protect millions of residents from catastrophic flooding.
Bangkok warned of a sinking future
Experts at a public gathering in Bangkok warned of a bleak outlook for the low-lying megacity. They said the capital could be uninhabitable by the year 2100 if decisive action was not taken immediately.
They explained that the impacts of climate change had rendered old flood prediction data unreliable. Growing uncertainty was said to threaten the survival of the entire surrounding region.
Can sponge cities save the metropolis?
Scientists from Kasetsart University called for a completely new approach to urban planning. They argued that Bangkok had to move away from being a city focused only on draining water and instead become a flexible, adaptive structure.
They presented the idea of a so‑called sponge city, in which the ground would absorb and store rainwater like a sponge. This would help prevent streets from turning into raging rivers during severe storms.
Six zones to hold back the flood
One concrete proposal envisioned dividing Bangkok into six different functional zones. In the west of the city, the sponge model was intended to slow water flows and reduce dangerous peak levels.
In the east, huge retention basins were planned to distribute the water more evenly. In the north, bottlenecks in canals would need to be removed so water could drain away more quickly.
Billions in damage and lives at stake
Computer simulations illustrated the potential scale of destruction facing the capital. Without new protective measures, economic losses could reach 49 billion baht.
According to the scientists, converting Bangkok into a sponge city could cut that figure to 16 billion baht. Even more crucial, they said people could gain up to two extra hours to escape in an emergency.
Pipes without connection offer no protection
Specialists stressed that the city’s biggest problem was not a lack of tunnels or pumps. Instead, they criticised the existing technology as poorly interconnected.
They questioned the value of huge drainage channels if smaller pipes were not properly linked to them. Without an integrated system, each new tunnel would remain just an expensive fragment with little real effect.
Your view
Residents and visitors were asked whether they feared that their home or holiday paradise could one day be lost to the floods. The public was invited to share their opinions in the comments on the issue of Bangkok’s long‑term survival.
“Write to us with your opinion on whether your home or favourite holiday destination could disappear beneath the waves forever.”
said Bangkok Post Thailand, source of the report.