A water management expert has proposed the “Sponge City” concept as a creative solution to address Bangkok’s worsening flooding, which is being accelerated by climate change.
A ‘Sponge City’ is designed to absorb and store rainwater using green spaces, permeable surfaces, and natural water systems, according to Professor Sitang Pilailar, of Kasetsart University’s Water Resources Engineering Department.
Professor Sitang Pilailar, of Kasetsart University’s Water Resources Engineering Department
By reducing precipitation runoff, storing excess water in parks and wetlands, repurposing it for irrigation, and easing the strain on drainage systems to avert overflows, a ‘sponge city’ approach might help mitigate Bangkok’s sinking and reduce flooding.
To collect extra rainwater and lessen floods, Professor Sitang cites Lumphini Park as an example of Bangkok implementing sponge city concepts.
She noted how nations like Singapore and the Netherlands have effectively adopted the idea. The Netherlands uses permeable pavements and urban water plazas, while Singapore uses rain gardens, ‘green’ roofs, and retention ponds as part of its "Active, Beautiful, Clean” (ABC)" waters program. Learning from their achievements, she believes that these strategies could greatly increase Bangkok's flood resistance.
The three primary contributors are downstream flow from the North during the rainy season, direct rainfall within the city, and tidal elevation.
In an exclusive interview with Thai PBS World, she said “Climate change has altered rainfall patterns, affecting both downstream flow and rainfall within Bangkok, with changes in intensity, timing and distribution.” These shifts, she noted, have made flooding more severe and unpredictable, exacerbating the challenges already faced by the city, she added.
Sitang emphasized the urgent need to address land-use regulations and policies, to mitigate the growing hazards caused by climate change. She called for stricter laws to protect communities from escalating risks and highlighted the importance of investing in flood defense infrastructure. Acknowledging the government's limited funding, she advocated for leveraging the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to attract investment, ensuring sustainable development and resilience to climate challenges.
Meanwhile, Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), echoed similar concerns. He warned that Bangkok’s vulnerabilities are worsening due to rising sea levels and temperatures, adding that "Flooding is worsening due to rising global temperatures. Thailand must prioritize urban resilience strategies to address unique climate risks.”
Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)
Speaking at a seminar on October 30th, titled “Adapting to Climate Change,” Somkiat also emphasized the urgent need for strategic urban resilience measures. Without effective action, more frequent and intense flooding will threaten lives, infrastructure, and economic stability, he cautioned.
