Adaptative strategy to mitigate impacts of repetitive flooding of residents in Thailand's Ayutthaya province

Abstract

Abstract This research investigates the socio-economic, behavioral, and psychological consequences of repetitive flooding on the residents of Ayutthaya's four flood-prone districts. The study also examines the individual-level adaptative strategies adopted by the local residents to coexist with the flooding. The findings revealed several challenges encountered by the flooded households. In addition, most of the respondents expressed a preference to live out the floods in their residences rather than relocating to a makeshift shelter. The ability to live through the floods was largely attributable to the architecture of their residences whereby the houses are raised a few meters above the ground with the living quarter on the upper level, which is the most prominent adaptative strategy. Other adaptative strategies included, e.g., the ownership of a flat-bottom boat and pre-flood stocking-up on basic necessities. Furthermore, in light of the residents’ preference to live out the repetitive flooding, this research also proposes a simple means to enhance the effectiveness of the localized flood relief efforts.