Role of government in flood disaster recovery for SMEs in Pathumthani province, Thailand

Government is major stakeholder in disaster recovery process in any given affected economy. Government policies impact the sectors of economy in all aspects may it be financial, social or managerial. The vulnerabilities from natural hazards such as floods could be minimized through flood preparedness strategies and recovery mechanisms to cope faster from disasters. This study aims to find out the level of government’s role, responsibilities and strategies adopted while 2011 floods in the Pathumthani province in Thailand. The critical evaluation of the recovery mechanism and loss from floods are analyzed to provide resilient SME in the study area. The methodology includes content analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data collected through survey questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The findings included inter-department miscommunication, mismanagement of available resources, and lack of transparency in the government’s action plans, lack of interest to provide sustainability at the ground level and lack of transportation facilities in the flood affected area. The study sheds light on the gaps of the existing flood recovery mechanisms in the Pathumthani province and provides for recommendations to enhance sustainability among SMEs in the industrialized province of Pathumthani.