On June 15, 2026, Dr. Lertluck Leelaruangsang, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), chaired a pivotal meeting with representatives from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) at the Environment Department in Din Daeng. The primary objective of the discussion was to establish a collaborative network and review a draft concept note to secure strategic funding from the global Climate Adaptation Fund. Under the project titled “Strengthening Adaptive Capacity Through Heat-Resilience Housing and Vulnerable Communities in Thailand”, this joint initiative aims to significantly bolster Bangkok’s urban capacity to withstand intensifying heatwaves and environmental crises, with a dedicated focus on safeguarding socio-economically vulnerable groups and highly sensitive communities.
As an active network partner, the BMA expressed strong support for the project while contributing vital localized insights to maximize its impact. The BMA recommended incorporating in-depth studies on two critical areas tailored specifically to Bangkok’s unique urban challenges. First, the city proposed developing collaborative cooling areas at the community level to directly mitigate the severe urban heat island effect. Second, the BMA emphasized the necessity of adapting housing frameworks and structural models to systematically counter different seasonal pollution hazards, ranging from toxic PM2.5 dust accumulation during the dry winter months to extreme heat exposure during the summer.
Key attendees driving this international climate collaboration included Ms. Woranuch Suaykakhao, Director-General of the Environment Department, and Ms. Natethip Chungsomprasong, Director of the Sustainable Environment Office. Executive officials from the Social Development Department and the International Affairs Office also participated alongside UN-Habitat delegates to exchange technical ideas. Through this unified effort, the BMA continues to strengthen its inter-agency networks to transition Bangkok into a resilient, healthy, and highly climate-adaptive city for all citizens.
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