General
Thailand Partners with UK and FAO to Address Climate Change in Agriculture
The Department of Climate Change and Environment has launched a collaborative project with the UK and the FAO to integrate climate adaptation strategies into local agriculture.
On September 24, 2026, at the Amari Watergate Hotel in Bangkok, the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) officially launched a collaborative initiative alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The project aims to integrate concrete climate adaptation plans into the local agricultural sector.
Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the DCCE, emphasized that climate change poses significant risks to Thailand’s economy, society, and environment. British Ambassador to Thailand, Nicola Pollitt, delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of this international partnership.
For residents and travelers, this initiative underscores the growing focus on climate resilience in Thailand. The DCCE cited data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicating that El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific are intensifying. Sea surface temperatures were recorded at 2.2–2.6°C above average between late July and mid-August 2026. Experts anticipate these conditions could reach a severe level by the end of the year, with a near 100% probability of persisting through February 2027. This may lead to significant shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns across the country.
While the project establishes a framework for adaptation, the specific long-term impacts on agricultural output and potential disruptions to local supply chains remain to be confirmed as weather patterns evolve.