Erosion protection options of a muddy coastline in Thailand: Stakeholders' shared responsibilities

Protecting a muddy coastline from erosion is not an easy task since various constraints complicate the issue. This study presents a story on the management of muddy coastal erosion by utilizing a case study of the muddy coastline along Chachoengsao province, Thailand. The study started with collecting and analyzing site-specific fundamental data such as coastal physical, environmental, and socio-economic information. The erosion severity was examined using historical satellite imagery. Stakeholder analysis was applied to identify who was responsible for the coastal protection and why. In an attempt to derive appropriate coastal protection measures that were acceptable to every party, existing coastal structures were surveyed and categorized into three groups—low-crested revetment, sand-filled geocontainer, and bamboo fencing—that were assessed for their advantages and shortcomings. Government units responsible for each type of structure were interviewed. Their responses reflected their constraints as well as the reasons behind their actions. Opinions from coastal communities were evaluated during formal meetings as well as by a questionnaire. The final acknowledged coastal protection measure was a combination of spaced low-crested revetments and low-crested detached breakwaters, with bamboo fencing being optional. A detailed design of the structures was subsequently undertaken and received positive acceptance from the stakeholders.

► Politics among responsible government departments complicates coastal protection.
► The one holding the money usually decides what measure to implement.
► The geocontainer was initially effective, but it settled and leaked after a few years.
► The bamboo fencing enhanced sedimentation, but induced many negative impacts.
► Low-crested revetment is an agreed solution with bamboo fencing being optional.