For HAII, the project has been a welcomed intervention as it has provided a motivation to change the modus operandi by integrating the use of more satellite data into their efforts.
The Flood and Drought Portal has been helpful in improving the capacity around the use of satellite data and applying it to the local context, says Dr. Sisomphon. For example, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation uses the information and tools for monitoring the drought situation and planning for their operations, whilst the Department of Agriculture Extension uses the tools for monitoring drought situations and planning for crop agriculture. These practices and uses of satellite data and information was previously never used by these departments.
Furthermore, there has been a significant improvement around how data is shared among various organisations addressing flood and drought impacts.
There is no doubt that there is a need for enduring and resilient water management approaches in which safety, nature, and economic prosperity are taken into account. In Thailand, in situ data and information, complimented by satellite information, will help navigate the planning for and monitoring of extreme events now and in the future. Dr. Sisomphon foresees the use of the Flood and Drought Portal across organisations, where institutes such as the Royal Irrigation Department will see the benefits for monitoring and planning the irrigation area in Thailand and water in reservoirs across the country.
Other organisations such as the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Department of Agriculture Extension can complement their current management and monitoring approaches by using the data and information provided by the portal. GISTDA, who are experts when it comes to satellites, accessing freely available rainfall, temperature and humidity data; can contribute further to the many services they already provide.
Whether it was seven years since the devastating floods or two years since the severe droughts, these events will remain a good reminder of the consequences of extreme weather and the reality of climate change. Thailand is likely to be burdened with more extreme weather and climate events in the future. Thus while progress is being made, many opportunities for further progress still remain as there is always much to learn and many areas on which to improve.