A report released by the National Reform Commitee claimed that the Thai capital could be submerged within 20 years if action is not taken.
BANGKOK: A new report by Thailand’s National Reform Committee (NRC) claimed that because of continued development and rising sea levels, Bangkok could be underwater within two decades.
The Council suggested that the Government should set up a national committee to manage Bangkok's subsidence problems, which according to the report, could submerge the capital.
Towering 20-storey skyscrapers and industrial development in Bangkok have contributed to the subsidence, the report said.
Water resource experts said the capital, which stands between 0.5 and two metres above sea level, is sinking at a rate of 10mm per year.
Besides urban development and massive infrastructure projects believed to weighing the land down, there are also concerns unregulated use of groundwater supplies has contributed to subsidence.
This has been exacerbated by the country's worst drought in decades, as these reserves are being tapped to provide emergency drinking water.
The NRC has proposed a number of measures to arrest the problem, including reforms to urban development and better water resources management.
It has also put forward more drastic solutions, such as relocating the capital or building a sea wall across the Gulf of Thailand, which could cost as much as US$14.3 billion.
The government has asked the NRC to make a review of its findings and to submit a detailed report to the cabinet within seven days.
News from Channel News Asia
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