LocationsFields of Resilience: Climate Action in Thailand’s Rice Bowl
June 4, 2025
In the heart of Thailand’s rice bowl, climate action is happening. Where the Yom and Nan rivers converge in Nakhon Sawan province, communities are rewriting their climate story—not just with infrastructure solutions, but with collaboration, innovation, and hope.
This transformation begins with water. Too much of it during floods. Too little during droughts. For decades, these extremes shaped the daily reality of farmers here—impacting not just their crops, but their livelihoods. When water fails, so do incomes. Many are forced to leave their fields behind to seek work in cities like Phitsanulok or Sukhothai, often taking up construction jobs to make ends meet. These seasonal migrations place added strain on families and household economies, highlighting how deeply climate is impacting people’s lives.
But today, with collaboration from Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), locally led change is underway—offering not just water security, but the possibility of staying rooted, resilient, and self-sustained.
The project—Enhancing Climate Resilience through Effective Water Management and Sustainable Agriculture (E-WAMSA)—funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is working with communities to protect the climate lifeline of over 60,000 people across the Yom-Nan river basin through flood control and sustainable water management.
At its core are the Khlong Muang Chang floodgates in Sukhothai, upstream from Phitsanulok. Among them, two floodgates—currently under construction with this project's support—stand out for their emphasis on international standards. Before breaking ground, we engaged with local farmers to gather their input. Together with the Royal Irrigation Department (RID), UNDP is bringing global expertise to ensure these structures meet the highest Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) standards. But the transformation doesn’t stop with engineering—UNDP, RID, local leaders, and universities are working together to reimagine water governance, from policy to paddy.
“This floodgate is a game changer for climate resilience. It helps us hold back floodwaters when rainfall is intense and store water during dry spells—ensuring farmers downstream can rely on water when they need it most.”
“Every floodgate we build begins with the community. Before anything moves forward, we consult local people, identify their needs, and make sure they agree on the location and design. It’s a process shaped by those who live with the water every day.” said Somchitthiphong Amnatsan, Director of the Office of Irrigation, overseeing the operations of Regional Irrigation Office 3.
Somchitthiphong Amnatsan, Director of the Office of Irrigation, overseeing the operations of Regional Irrigation Office 3
“The floodgate makes a big difference in tackling drought. Without it, water from the dam would just flow away downstream. Now we can store and control water, ensuring we have enough reserves when the dam’s supply is low. It helps reduce our reliance on costly groundwater pumping and saves on fuel.” said Kathin Sangmee, a farmer in the Bang Rakam Model area, Village No. 8, Krai Nok Sub-district, Kong Krailat District, Sukhothai Province.
Kathin Sangmee, a farmer in the Bang Rakam Model area, Sukhothai Province
But climate resilience isn’t only built through dams and gates. It also grows in the hands of farmers—learning, adapting, and innovating in the face of change.
Resilient Farms, More Resilient Futures
Across 24 subdistricts in Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit, Farmer Field Schools are empowering local growers with climate-smart tools. Here, farmers are learning to effectively manage water levels in real-time using IoT sensors through better management of soil moisture levels and facilitate a transformation in agricultural practices through the promotion of ecologically supportive climate smart practices.
Supansa Inthrasorn, Village Head of Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province
“With support from UNDP, we've started using climate-resilient practices—like testing water and soil quality and managing pests more effectively. In areas where drought hits hard, farmers are shifting to crops that need less water. We’ve also set up a Farmer Field School in our village to help share knowledge and adapt farming practices together.” said Supansa Inthrasorn, Village Head of Moo 10, Ban Bueng Tham Rong, Sriphirom Subdistrict, Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province
Duangmanee Klaoklueng, Subdistrict Head (Kamnan) of Sriphirom, Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province
Farmers in the old Yom River area have faced growing climate impacts in recent years. Floodwaters, which used to be rare, now overflow the riverbanks almost every year—often after farmers have already invested in planting, fertilizing, and spraying their crops. Those with higher ground suffer partial losses; others lose everything. In the dry season, only those with enough capital can drill wells to save their crops, while others face widespread damage. To cope, many have diversified their income—raising cattle, pigs, or making ceremonial flowers. The project by UNDP and the Royal Irrigation Department has supported these shifts by helping farmers adjust planting schedules and strengthen market access.
“We’ve started planting earlier so we can harvest before the floods come,” Duangmanee Klaoklueng, Subdistrict Head (Kamnan) of Sriphirom, Phrom Phiram District, Phitsanulok Province shared. “And for those of us making ceremonial flowers or raising livestock, the project has helped us learn how to sell and market what we produce. That makes a big difference.”
Beyond Resilience, Thriving in the Market
To thrive in today’s market, farmers need more than just resilient practices—they need financial literacy and improved productivity. UNDP, RID, and local authorities are partnering with experts from Naresuan University to support farmers make informed economic decisions.
The private sector is also playing a role. With partnership with Krungsri Bank has provided financial literacy training in the region and is exploring new market access models for smallholder farmers.
It’s this unique blend of traditional knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and inclusive finance that make the farmers here resilient and thriving.
Panittra Kaewduanglek, Senior Agricultural Extension Officer
“The financial literacy trainings help farmers prepare for climate impacts not only in the field, but also in their finances. Learning how to plan, reduce costs, and use money wisely means we can better manage risks and protect our income in uncertain times.” Panittra Kaewduanglek, Senior Agricultural Extension Officer (responsible for Sriphirom Subdistrict) explained.
A Shared Vision for a Greener Tomorrow
As the Deputy Governor of Phitsanulok, Nisit Sawasdithep, observed during a recent joint field visit:
“This project proves that water is not just a resource—it’s a platform for collaboration. When we manage it together, we secure our future.”
With over 60,000 people expected to benefit directly—and many more through ripple effects across Thailand’s agricultural sector—the impact of this work runs deep. But beyond numbers, it’s measured in the return of native fish to once-dry canals, the resilience of crops under changing skies, and the confidence of rural youth choosing to stay and farm their ancestral land—with pride and purpose.
As World Environment Day 2025 reminds us, the path to a sustainable future starts with local action. In Phitsanulok, that future is already taking root.