Adaptation to the Impact of Coastal Erosion of Laem Fapha Sub-district Administration Organization and the Community, Pra Samut Chedi District, Samutprakarn Province

Abstract

The objectives of the study were as follows: 1) to investigate the exposure, risk and sensitivity to coastal erosion; 2) to evaluate results of action plans and factors affecting risk management; and 3) to analyze vulnerability of the area and suggest guidelines for appropriate adaptation of Laem Fapha Sub-district Administration Organization and the community. Data were collected by: 1) interviewing of administators of the sub-district administration organization, community’s leaders and residents; 2) attending a meeting for problem solving sharing between sub-district administration and the community; 3) observation in the area; and 4) investigation of related document. The findings revealed that Laem Fapha Sub-district area was classified into the 5^th level of risk that was very high. High amount of resources and more than 1 year- time must be used for problem solving. Sensitivity of the coastal erosion was high. The sub-district administration had high potential to cope with the impacts of coastal erosion. Factors that affected potential of sub-district administration were budget insufficiency and knowledge accessibility. The community had moderate potential. Factors that affected the potential were budget insufficiency, lacking of action plan, and knowledge accessibility. Results of the field study indicated that the community adapted well in living with the effects. It could be concluded that Laem Fapha Sub-district area was not vulnerable, but it should be more developed for the adaptaion.