On January 26, 2025, Professor Emeritus Dr. Manas Suwan delivered the opening remarks, welcoming participants to the seminar and providing an introduction on the intensifying impacts of climate change and disasters. He emphasized the urgency for everyone to be aware of these changes and collaborate in adapting behaviors for sustainability.
The panel discussion featured distinguished speakers, including: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seree Supharatid, Director of the Climate Change and Disaster Center, Rangsit University, Dr. Suraswadi Phumipanich, from the Geo-Informatics Applications and Services Division, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Mr. Dusit Pongsapipat, Head of the Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Chiang Mai), The session was moderated by Dr. Ratchaphon Samphutthanont from the AiroTEC (Asian Air Quality Operations Center by Space Technology, Geo-informatics & Environmental Engineering) Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
Key Discussion Points.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seree Supharatid highlighted the escalating severity of climate change, citing examples from various countries, particularly Thailand in 2024, which experienced extreme weather conditions. The first half of the year saw the worst drought in 125 years, followed by heavy rainfall and unprecedented floods not seen in over 100–1,000 years. Chiang Mai and several other northern provinces were severely impacted. He emphasized the necessity for localized disaster management, urging central government agencies, provincial administrative organizations, municipal authorities, and universities to collaborate in knowledge-sharing and operational support.
Dr. Suraswadi Phumpanich from GISTDA discussed geo-informatics technology, satellite data, and real-time monitoring tools that help track disasters with accuracy. She emphasized that satellite and spatial data can analyze affected areas and enhance disaster preparedness. GISTDA has advanced technology and experts capable of providing data on wildfires, air pollution, floods, and droughts. However, she stressed that disaster management requires data integration from multiple agencies to ensure effective decision-making.
Mr. Dusit Pongsapipat from DDPM Chiang Mai elaborated on the role of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, citing the “Chiang Mai No-Burning” initiative as an example. He emphasized public communication, risk awareness campaigns, and inter-agency collaboration as key strategies in disaster mitigation. He outlined the 4 Reductions and 3 Increases framework for disaster risk reduction:
4 Reductions: Reduce mortality rates, Reduce the number of affected individuals, Reduce economic losses, Reduce damage to infrastructure and public services.
3 Increases: Increase national and local strategic planning, Increase disaster relief and support mechanisms, Increase access to early warning systems and risk data.
The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants discussed how various stakeholders, including local governments, researchers, and the public, can contribute to climate change adaptation and disaster resilience.

Report/Photo by: Watchara Thaibandit: Public Relations Officer, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University