Darika Saranget emphasizes that Climate Change is not merely an environmental issue but a threat to the economy, calling for it to be elevated as a national agenda. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Climate Change highlights the proven effectiveness of the “Bang Ban Model.”
On 12 June 2026 at the Army Club, Ms. Darika Saranget, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, presided over the opening of the academic presentation event (IS Conference Day) under the theme “Towards Climate Resilience: From Bang Ban to a Future Ready for Climate Change.” The event was organized by the Department of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University and the 13th Environmental Governance Certificate Program for Senior Executives (EGC 13). She delivered a keynote speech titled “From National Strategy to New Climate: Thailand’s Direction in Addressing Climate Change,” emphasizing that Climate Change is not just an environmental issue but a threat to the economy, livelihoods, and quality of life. Given Thailand’s high dependence on natural resources in agriculture and tourism, the country is among the most vulnerable globally. She stressed integrating the “20-year National Strategy” and the Paris Agreement commitments to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Key pillars include legal and policy transitions for adaptation and resilience, integrating the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) into six vulnerable sectors—tourism, agriculture and food security, public health, water management, natural resources, and settlements—along with increasing natural carbon sinks targeting 55% green cover nationwide and driving a green economy in partnership with the private sector.
The commitment to addressing the new climate must be elevated as a “national agenda” to enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness, reduce trade disadvantages from international measures, and minimize losses from disasters. This requires collaborative efforts across all sectors to transform challenges into opportunities by fostering innovation, creating green jobs, and ensuring a sustainable future for Thailand.
Dr. Pirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment (Department of Climate Change), stated that the world is facing a severe and unpredictable climate crisis impacting food security and health systems. Thailand must urgently build “climate resilience” at all levels. The 13th EGC cohort, comprising 74 participants, conducted an in-depth study through theses focused on strategic and challenging areas such as Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province—a key vulnerable area affected by climate change impacting local communities. They applied knowledge practically across seven key areas: adaptation, biodiversity, mitigation, SME business enhancement, green finance, carbon footprint, and capacity building. “Today’s work is not merely the conclusion of study but a policy innovation proven practicable, serving as a powerful catalyst to expand the Bang Ban Model prototype to other areas nationwide.”
