Project Description
In the aftermath of Thailand’s catastrophic 2011 floods, which affected nearly 14 million people and caused approximately $45 billion in damages, the Thai government prioritized a shift toward Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Recognizing the interconnectedness of flood risks with broader water resource challenges, the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) adopted a basin-based planning approach. Central to this strategy was the development and implementation of an open-source IWRM modeling tool to inform decision-making and support sustainable water management practices.
Objectives, Activities and Results
The IWRM modeling tool was initially piloted in the Yom River basin and Mae Ta sub-basin in 2015, enabling stakeholders to evaluate water management strategies through integrated environmental, social, and economic assessments. Its visual simulations helped build consensus around flood control, drought response, and water allocation. Following its success, the tool was expanded to all 25 river basins in Thailand. The project delivered two key outputs: first, the creation of a foundational IWRM simulation tool for river basin planning; and second, capacity building for DWR staff and river basin committees to apply the model. The initiative significantly improved Thailand’s ability to manage water resources and enhance resilience to future climate and disaster risks.
