Chulalongkorn University Convenes Water Economy Forum on Sustainability and Resilience
The Chulalongkorn University Water Resilience Center convened the Water Resilience Forum 2/2026 under the theme “Water Economy: Transforming Water to Build the Nation,” focusing on how Thailand can turn escalating water-related challenges into economic opportunities.
Experts highlighted that Thailand is increasingly affected by extreme weather events, including floods and droughts driven by climate change. These disasters have caused major economic losses, including trillions of baht in damages from historic flooding and repeated drought impacts. Speakers stressed that water must be reframed not only as a disaster risk but as a critical economic asset.
University leaders and policymakers emphasized that water is deeply embedded in Thailand’s economic structure and requires coordinated national action. They called for integrating water management agencies, strengthening forecasting and early-warning systems, and investing in a National Water Data Platform to support data-driven decision-making.
The forum proposed three strategic priorities: elevating water management to a national agenda, building “Water Smart Communities,” and advancing real-time data systems for resilience planning. Case studies from Thailand and abroad demonstrated how infrastructure, innovation, and community-based models can reduce risk while generating economic value.
Speakers also underscored the importance of collaboration between government, academia, industry, and local communities. The forum concluded that only through shared responsibility and science-based governance can Thailand transform water challenges into long-term national resilience and sustainable growth.
