Climate change is increasingly shaping patterns of human mobility around the world. In Thailand, recurring floods, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, coastal erosion, and other climate-related hazards are affecting livelihoods, agriculture, and local economies, prompting some of the most vulnerable individuals and communities to relocate temporarily or permanently. However, migration decisions are rarely driven by environmental factors alone. Economic opportunities, social networks, access to public services, and existing vulnerabilities all influence whether and how people move in response to climate risks.
As climate impacts intensify, Thailand faces growing policy challenges in preparing for and responding to climate-induced migration. These challenges extend beyond disaster response to include climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, labour mobility, social protection, urban planning, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Increasingly, migration is recognised not only as a consequence of climate change but also as a potential adaptation strategy when supported by appropriate policies and governance.
Drawing on recent research conducted in Thailand, this seminar will examine the relationship between climate change and human mobility, discuss emerging policy responses, and reflect on lessons that can strengthen climate resilience and migration governance. The session aims to contribute to a better understanding of how Thailand's experience can inform future policies and regional discussions on climate related mobility.
Speaker:
Dr. Thida Chaiyapa, Assistant Professor, Head of HOPESEA (Humanitarian Observatory for Policy and Education in Southeast Asia), Assistant Director of School of Public Policy at Chiang Mai University. Her research focuses on climate migration, disaster displacement, water management, humanitarian governance, migration governance, climate change adaptation, and public policy in Southeast Asia.
Moderator:
Dr. Sudarat Musikawong is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University and PI for Mahidol Migration Center-Joint Research Unit.
