Local people's perceptions of climate change and related hazards in mountainous areas of northern Thailand

This study investigates the perceptions of local people on climate change and related hazards in Yang Luang Village (YLV), which is located in the mountainous region of the Mae Chaem basin in northern Thailand. Furthermore, this study examines the differences between the perceptions of local people and scientific observations in this area. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used, and the data were collected from various sources. Results show that nearly 45% of households have personally perceived climate change, mainly in the form of increasing rainfall, decreasing number of rainy days in the last two decades and of extremely late rainfall in recent year's rainy season. A comparison of locals' perceptions and climatic observations shows that local people have correctly perceived rainfall changes, which have largely influenced the experiences and perceptions regarding climate-related hazards. More than 70% of households have perceived droughts and floods impacts on their livelihoods but have not completely understood their causes. They have correctly perceived the landslide resulted from increasing amounts of rainfall. However, they are unaware of increasing landslide trends, flood hazards and the associated potential risks. The results are helpful to assess the needs in terms of actions and information to facilitate climate-related hazard management at the local level in Thailand. Hazard awareness campaign, training and early warning system are necessary for breaking the low perception of potential hazards in YLV. Moreover, a hazard management strategy without waiting for proof of a trend coming from reviews of the climate science is essential.