Exploring Well-Being in the Work and Livelihoods of Local People During the 2011 Flood in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand has faced many flooding crises, especially in 2011, which caused widespread damage to industrial parks and community zones. However, the negative consequences of flooding on the local people and workers in industrial zones have been little studied. This study focuses on the impacts of flooding after 2011 on the well-being of residents in industrial zones in terms of their work and livelihoods. Community-based research was used to explore the effects of floods on 647 respondents who worked in Rojana Industrial Park (N = 247) and those who lived around the park (N = 400). A questionnaire survey was conducted in February 2020. The results showed adverse impacts on the economy, accommodation, and well-being of both the local inhabitants and workers, whose monthly incomes and overtime jobs decreased significantly compared to before the disaster. However, local people suffered more from low incomes than workers of the company, as the employees’ work status was maintained during the crisis. Japanese company culture is investigated as a factor in the higher resilience and recovery levels of company employees than the Rojana community. In addition, the workers were evacuated to other accommodations until the company recovered, while locals remained in their flooded homes. In addition, most respondents reported that mental health impacts were more likely to affect their mental health. For effective recovery and flood risk management, the government should follow up on employment, accommodation, and livelihood after a sudden flood, especially for the local people. A greater understanding of community risk, community engagement, and awareness-raising activities can enhance readiness, response, recovery, and resilience in disaster management by government, businesses, and local communities.