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CASE STUDY 2: BANG KHUN THIAN TEMPLE

The Bang Khun Thian Temple community in Bangkok has encountered significant obstacles as sea levels have risen, severely affecting their way of life. Originally composed of approximately 100 dwellings, the neighborhood has seen 60 families relocate, leaving 40 people living amidst the increasing sea. The ongoing relocation, with families moving four times, emphasizes the crucial importance of safety and security in the face of environmental hazards. Migration decisions are primarily motivated by the need to protect lives and property, with families looking for safer places to reconstruct their lives and find steady sources of income.

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Figure: Key Findings from Wat Khun Samutrawat (Source: Google Earth, Field Survey)

The 40 households that remain in the area suffer substantial hazards from increasing sea levels, such as regular floods and erosion. Their restricted capacity to relocate could be attributed to financial constraints, insufficient support from external groups, or a lack of feasible relocation possibilities. In response to these issues, adaptation measures such as building higher platforms for homes and installing flood-resistant infrastructure have been used to alleviate the effects. Additionally, local measures include the establishment of community-based support networks to provide assistance and resources to people who are unable to relocate. These measures, while providing some relief, underscore the need for more comprehensive and inclusive adaptation strategies that address the specific needs of both men and women and support long-term resilience in the face of ongoing environmental changes.


Gender dynamics have an important influence on determining how sea level rise affects the community. Women who have historically been responsible for housework and caregiving face unique problems. They shoulder the brunt of family obligations, caring for children and the elderly, and dealing with the stress of repeated moves. Their adaptation tactics frequently include community-based attempts to diversify revenue sources and manage household needs, despite conventional roles that limit their mobility and access to resources. Men, on the other hand, are often more mobile and resourceful, so they frequently travel for career opportunities and take on leadership roles in reconstruction. While they endure difficulties as primary breadwinners and stress from financial insecurity, their access to larger social networks can provide additional support and opportunity.

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