On-the-ground research in Phuket: The Urban-Act team has been gathering crucial data to develop sustainable climate-resilient scenario plans for the city.

Developing cities to be resilient to climate change requires consideration of multiple sectors and levels, including central government agencies and local administrative organisations, as they are key players in contributing to and ensuring sustainable urban development.

The Urban-Act project, implemented by GIZ Thailand, in collaboration with academic partner the Urban Futures and Policy Research Unit at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University, conducted a field visit to Phuket, one of the project’s pilot cities, from 23-27 July 2024.
The purpose of the visit was to gather data to support the analysis of scenario planning for Phuket. This included collecting local-level data and holding discussions for a workshop with relevant agencies in Phuket, as the next step.

Through comprehensive in-depth interviews, discussions and studying supporting data, the research team gained valuable insights into the municipality’s current and future plans for urban development, flood or drought risks and disaster risk management, the needs of vulnerable populations, challenges during operations, and the city’s water supply system – including demand, capacity and future projections. The team also explored legal constraints by engaging with relevant stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations.

As traffic congestion is a significantly challenging issue in Phuket City, the Energy Technology Development Center (ENTEC) joined the team to conduct a traffic survey at three key locations: Thep Kasatri Road and Damrong Road, Road 4021 in Wichit Subdistrict, and the main Road 402, where sewage pipes and roads overlap. The team collected data on traffic volumes, speeds, and vehicle origin, focusing on areas prone to flooding. The data was collected between 4.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. from 22-26 July 2024, using electronic sensors to calculate the Traffic Index. Additionally, the team collected data on the number of vehicles entering and exiting, and the number of vehicles registered in Phuket province crossing the Sarasin Bridge daily.

This on-the-ground visit and meeting with local government agencies in Phuket marked a significant step in our collaborative efforts to gather first-hand data and address local challenges. The goal was to develop comprehensive urban development planning that effectively addresses climate change and its multifaceted impacts. Satellite data alone cannot capture the nuances of certain issues, such as flash floods. Therefore, on-site data collection is essential to creating detailed maps and informing subsequent planning efforts.

Moreover, the visit strengthened our relationships with local agencies and networks working in this field, ensuring the successful implementation of our project in Thailand.

The Urban-Act project has been implemented effectively thanks to the support of the mayor and all 14 representatives from local agencies, including central government agencies: 1) the 15th Environmental and Pollution Control Office; 2) the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority; 3) the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office; 4) Thachatchai Police Station as well as local government organisations such as: 5) the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization; 6) Phuket City Municipality; 7) Wichit Subdistrict Municipality; 8) Kathu Municipality; 9) Chalong Subdistrict Municipality; 10) Karon Subdistrict Municipality; 11) the Kamala Subdistrict Administrative Organization; 12) Patong Municipality; 13) Paklok Subdistrict Municipality; and 14) the Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation.

Learn more about the Urban-Act project here: