Climate Change Risk Assessment from the Perspective of Local Administrative Organizations in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant global challenge with complex impacts on economic, social, and environmental systems. Khon Kaen Province, as the central hub of Thailand's northeastern region, faces particularly high vulnerability to droughts, floods, and seasonal variability. This study aims to assess and rank climate change risks in Khon Kaen Province from the perspective of local administrative organizations (LAOs), based on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) framework. A quantitative research methodology was employed, collecting data from 213 out of 225 LAOs across Khon Kaen Province, representing a response rate of 94.67%. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires covering six risk dimensions: water resources, agriculture and food security, tourism, public health, natural resources and biodiversity, and human settlements and infrastructure. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Risk Score calculation derived from Likelihood and Impact assessments, and risk classification using a Risk Matrix.          The findings reveal that all six dimensions fall within the moderate risk level. Water resources recorded the highest Risk Score (6.63), followed by human settlements and infrastructure (6.24), and public health (5.99), while natural resources and biodiversity recorded the lowest Risk Score (4.99). These results suggest that LAOs tend to prioritize risks with immediate and visible impacts on residents and infrastructure over gradual ecosystem degradation, despite the latter's long-term implications for community resilience. The study recommends utilizing spatial Risk Score data as a tool to support area-specific adaptation planning at the local level, enabling LAOs to prioritize interventions and allocate resources effectively, while systematically strengthening their capacity to manage climate change risks in a sustainable manner.