Rapid Assessment for Resilient Recovery and ... - GFDRR

all informal and formal leaders/groups, the structure of aid distribution was clearer and the
distribution timely. In one of the communities visited, the sub-district leaders organized
daily meetings to review the support to be provided and distribution plans. In less organized
sites with weaker community structures the research team noted a greater potential for
conflict to emerge among community sub-groups and for gaps in the provision of relief to
emerge. In some areas, Kamnan 168 or sub-district heads formed specific groups to provide
support for areas that did not receive assistance from elected representatives of the
Sub-district Administrative Organization. Existing community networks and structures,
therefore, have significant potential (primarily in rural areas) to support longer-term
recovery efforts.
The social fabric was found to be more fragile in urban areas with a limited number of
community associations and infrequent interactions between communities and local
leaders. Instances of collaborative behavior were also less prevalent. These characteristics
of urban settings have tended to make the distribution of aid less effective. Urban
groups, especially low income groups, were often unable to participate much in relief
efforts. They rely mainly on community leaders to identify sources of support. In the
visited areas, the assessment team found that the responsibility for identifying sources
of aid tended to rest with two or three people with established personal connections with
municipalities or other sources of external support. This is likely to generate difficulties in
the equitable distribution of relief assistance. The absence of community networks further
impacts the distribution of aid with greater potential for particular sub-groups to be excluded.
In some areas, the research team heard reports of complaints over the distribution of food
and relief goods survival kits.
Potential sources of tension within communities were also noted. The perceived mismanagement
of water resources by local communities has already resulted in some degree of
tension between communities and local government representatives. In particular, conflicts
arose about the timing for opening and closing of flood gates in a number of areas. In the
sites visited during the SIA in the Central Plains, no particular tensions have emerged as
yet. This is partly due to the fact that there were no significant disparities in the degree to
which different sub-groups have been affected or in the support that has been provided so
far. In the area where the SIA field test took place in Prachinburi, however, there appeared
to be potential for escalating tension and conflict. In these sites, in particular, the irrigation/
water management department is seen as favoring particular groups and areas at the
expense of others. The perception being that while water levels are kept high in some
areas, other communities are better protected with their homes and field remaining
relatively dry. As the recovery process gets underway, this situation will need to be
monitored very closely to avoid exacerbating existing tensions.
In addition, farmers reported concerns with the implementation of recovery programs by
government once the emergency response phase is over. Farmers raised concerns about
the implementation of previous programs by line agencies. They considered information
168 The Minister of Interior is responsible for appointing provincial governors, who perform their duties as representatives
of the central administration at the provincial level and have an oversight function over local authorities. Provincial governors
are supported in this process by district officer or kamnan. The district officer is the top civil servant position within the
district, with all staff in the local administration answerable to her/him. Additionally, the district officer exercises significant
de facto control and oversight over the administration of TAOs or sub-districts which lie within her/his jurisdiction, irrespective
of the fact TAOs have independent elected councils and executives.
THAI FLOOD 2011 RAPID ASSESSMENT FOR RESILIENT RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION PLANNING
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