Thailand and India Sinking: Coastal Erosion of Thai Coasts 26% of Thai, 40% of Indian Coast Subjected to Erosion

Jul 28, 2014

BANGKOK, July 28 -- Thailand's coastal erosion problem is considered severe in 44 locations in 19 provinces along the Gulf of Thailand, with the destruction resulting from both natural and manmade causes.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources reports that the erosion occurred along 830 kilometers of Thai coasts and that account for 26 per cent of all the country's coasts.

The problem occurs mainly along the Gulf of Thailand, over a distance of 730 kilometres.

Severe and quick erosion happens in 44 locations in 19 provinces with a combined seaside distance of 169 kilometres.

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Aug 6, 2014

The government today said a study has revealed that on an average around 40 per cent of Indian coast is subjected to coastal erosion.

"The study has revealed that on an average around 40 per cent of the Indian coast is subjected to coastal erosion (either high, medium or low). According to the study, erosion occurred in 46.30 per cent of coastal length in Gujarat," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

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That sinking feeling in Thailand

Telegraph poles poking out from the sea stand like graveyard memorials to the villagers that now lie beneath the waves.

Environment campaigners Greenpeace say the fate of villages like these along Thailand’s gulf coast are firm evidence of rising sea levels triggered by global warming.

They are warning the capital is also under threat.

“Because this area is not far from Bangkok, this is an emergency matter which should make the Thai people aware of what’s happening.”

In fact, Bangkok is facing a dual threat that Thai officials say could see the city under water if urgent action isn’t taken.

While sea levels may be rising, Bangkok is also sinking as ground waters pumped out from beneath.

The country’s head of disaster warning says a massive dike is needed to protect it from a watery end.

“If nothing can be done, you know, Bangkok would be at least 50 cm or 1 m under water.”