Flood Mitigation: Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. It occupies a total area of 1568 KM^2 and has a
population of about 8 million. The city itself is in the Chao Phraya River delta (Blue area in the
map) in Thailand's central plain. The river meanders through the city in a southerly direction,
emptying into the Gulf of Thailand approximately 25 kilometers south of city center. 
Most of the area was originally swamplands, but to agricultural takeover and constructions, the
area is now made of several canals. 
 
 
Flooding in Bangkok/causes of flooding: 
Because Bangkok lies with a river delta, the risk of flooding is reasonably high in case if there is
excessive rainfall. Due to its low-terrain and only 1.5 meters above sea level. Seasonal rainfall
will highly put the city at risk of flooding. The city mostly has a flat landscape, so there are very
little steep slopes which helps to transport the excess water into drains. Due to rapid city
expansion, many lands that had been used to collect excess water has been encroached, in other
words, vegetation has been greatly reduced. Because of this, surface runoff as increased. 
Bangkok overall have poor sanitation, so this means there will be many litters every day. This
result in many garbage being created, which blocks an already overtaxed drainage system at
some of the most crucial points. Ten to 20 tons of waste are pulled daily from klongs (a type of
cruising boat), which are main way of draining water from the city into the Chao Phraya river. 
 
 
2011 Bangkok flood: 

On July 25th of 2011, a flood began in Bangkok and it was triggered by the landfall of Tropical
Storm Nock-ten. This flood has been described as "the worst flooding yet in terms of the amount
of water and people affected”. With an estimate of 3,151,224 people affected from 1,154,576
families, with 506 deaths and two missing persons reported by the 24/7 Emergency Operation
Center for Flood. Damage estimates of at least 185 billion baht in the latest estimate by the
Federation of Thai Industry which includes 95-billion-baht damage on Thai industry, 25-billion-
baht damage to Thai agriculture, and 65-billion-baht damage to housing. Because of the flooding
an estimate of 220,000 and 300,000 people has cancelled their trip, which negatively affect the
Thai economy. Many sewage water and garbage were mixed during the flooding, so many
waterborne diseases were formed. People were told to stay away from the water as far as
possible. 
 
 
Flood mitigation plans/strategies: 
Kotchakorn Voraakhom, a Thai landscape architect developed an idea of a 45000-meter squared
Centenary Park, at Chulalongkorn University, in the center of the city. Underneath the park itself
lies vast water containers that can store more than 4 million liters of water. When severe floods
hit, the containers hold water and release it into the public sewage system after flooding has
subsided. She has transformed 11 city acres, land worth an estimated $700 million USD into a
centennial park at a university. It’s a lush and green oasis that has loads of space for outdoor
meetings, an amphitheatre, a massive lawn for recreation and playing, playgrounds, even a small
museum. Since it opened in March 2017, the park has been a great place to meet up and have fun
for students and residents. 11 acres (44,415 square meters) doesn’t seem like a lot, any new park
in a big city like Bangkok is a big deal. It has meant that not only has flooding been solved in a
way, but also that there will be an economic gain as well. Furthermore, canals have also been
cleared. Clearing rubbish and obstructions away from canal. This would result in improved flood
management system in an integrated and sustainable manner. More trees will also be planted
alongside the canal in a bid for water to be absorbed. Furthermore, flood prevention walls as well
as drainage tunnels have been made.
 
 Has it been successful?
It has been successful to say the least. Innovative ideas have meant flooding can be stopped, not
entirely, but to an extent. Economically speaking, it is a burden on society and the government,
but in contrast to the projected numbers for economic damage had this not been created, it seems
like a fruitful project.