Thailand was affected by major floods in 2011, particularly in the Chao Phraya River Basin in the north and central provinces.

The 2011 floods proved socially and economically devastating, since several of the affected provinces are densely populated and contain industrial zones which contribute significantly to the Thai GDP. Provincial and national authorities -- including the Thai Prime Minister and cabinet members -- were heavily involved in flood management and response during the flood disaster.

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) -- supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) -- initiated the Program for Reduction of Vulnerability to Floods in Thailand to address the risk management challenges which were identified as a result of the flood disaster. The program works to strengthen the capacity for disaster risk management in Thailand and provide support for flood vulnerability reduction.

Component 1: Training and Capacity Building

A Flood Disaster Risk Management training course will be developed to meet the specific needs and requirements identified for Thailand, targeted for representatives from organizations within the flood-prone provinces in the Chao Phraya River Basin.

Component 2: Demonstration Activities

A project demonstration "pilot site" will be established in consultation with the DDPM in Ayutthaya province. This pilot site will conduct demonstration activities to strengthen the flood risk management capacity of local government, and to support the preparation of flood disaster community preparedness plans.

Component 3: Information and Networking

A Flood Forum workshop will be held to support collaboration and flood risk information sharing, with the participation of all stakeholders. The Flood Forum will strengthen the network of organizations working for flood disaster mitigation and management. This will provide an opportunity for dialogue at the national and local levels, to promote a cohesive approach to flood vulnerability reduction.

Component 4: Extending Community Preparedness in Schools and Religious Centers

It is with the continuation of this program that ADPC seeks to strengthen community capacity by developing skills of those in community resource centers. Namely through the following:

1. Strengthening communities, schools, and temples on flood risk management

2. Raising community awareness through flood safety education

3. Enhancing public-private partnership on community flood risk reduction