This country may need to relocate its capital due to rising sea levels

Rising sea levels threaten Thailand's capital, Bangkok, with relocation, according to a senior official from the country's climate change office.

The low-lying Bangkok risks being submersed by the ocean before the end of the century, according to the projections. The bustling capital already battles flooding during the rainy season.

The city might not be able to adapt with the world on its current warming pathway, warned Pavich Kesavawong, deputy director-general of the government's department of climate change and environment.

"I believe we are beyond the 1.5 degrees Celsius already," Kesavawong told AFP, referring to the increase in global temperatures from pre-industrial levels.

"Now we have to think about adaptation. I suppose Bangkok will be under water, if we stay in our (current) circumstance," he further said.

Bangkok is considering building sea walls, similar to those in the Netherlands, to combat rising waters. However, relocation of the city is also being discussed, according to a government official.

Kesavawong emphasised that these talks are still in the early stages and that moving the capital would be a very complex undertaking.

"Personally I think it's a good choice, so we can separate the capital, the government areas, and business areas," he added.

"Bangkok would still be the government capital, but will move the business,” Kesavawongfurther said.

Climate impacts

Indonesia is another country facing a similar situation. It willinaugurate its new capital Nusantara this year, which will replace sinking Jakarta as the country's political centre.

Thailand is suffering the effects of climate change as farmers strugglewith high temperature and drought, while tourism is affected by coral bleaching and pollution.

It has closed several national parks in response to recent coral bleaching while further closures are possible.

Despite government efforts, including new clean air legislation and increased fire prevention measures in national parks, air pollution, especially in northern Thailand, remains a significant challenge.

"The agriculture sector is very challenging for us," Pavich said, referring to continued post-harvest burning that is a major contributor to seasonal haze.

He added that the legislation, which includes provisions on everything from carbon pricing to mitigation and adaptation measures, is likely to pass into law this year.

Thailand is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, and net-zero by 2065.

(With inputs from agencies)