Khon Kaen and Khon Buri Districts, Thailand, 19–21 May 2026 — The People’s Republic of China, through the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center / China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO/CAEC) under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, is supporting flood and drought preparedness efforts in Thailand by distributing emergency kits to the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima. Government agencies, regional organizations, and development partners witnessed the handover ceremonies that were facilitated by the Mekong Institute (MI) as part of ongoing South-South collaboration on climate resilience, environmental cooperation, and disaster preparedness in the Lancang-Mekong (LM) region.
Participants attending the Regional Learning Visit on Flood and Drought Risk Management for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in the Lancang–Mekong Region joined the ceremonies alongside local stakeholders and representatives from relevant government and local authorities.
In Khon Kaen, 600 climate emergency kits were distributed. Khon Kaen Governor Mr.Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee graced the handover ceremony that was held on 19 May 2026 at the Khon Kaen Provincial Hall.
“Climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and increasingly complex. Strengthening preparedness, coordination among agencies, and community resilience is therefore essential to reducing risks and protecting local livelihoods. We appreciate China’s support in this area,” said Governor Kraison, noting the benefits the emergency kits bring to communities across Northeast Thailand.
As part of the ceremony, Mr. Sophon Charoenporn, Head of the Khon Kaen Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, briefed participants on the flood situation in Khon Kaen Province and the growing need for adaptive disaster preparedness systems and effective emergency response mechanisms in vulnerable communities.
Ms. Liu Guohua, Director of MI’s Sectoral Development and Integration (SDI) Department, noted that the climate emergency kits reflect a shared commitment to strengthening preparedness capacities and supporting communities exposed to increasing climate-related risks.
Mr. Chen Tianyang, Senior Program Manager of FECO/CAEC, spoke about the importance of practical environmental cooperation and local preparedness in addressing shared climate and disaster challenges across the region. He also led the demonstration of the proper use of the emergency equipment and supplies included in the kits.
A second handover ceremony was held on 21 May 2026 at the Mun Bon Operation and Maintenance Project in Khon Buri District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, under Regional Irrigation Office 8 of Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department. During the ceremony, an additional 200 climate emergency kits were handed over to strengthen preparedness capacities in irrigated agricultural areas vulnerable to flood and drought impacts.
The climate emergency kits were officially received by Mr. Narong Madthonglang, Director of the Mun Bon Operation and Maintenance Project. “These emergency kits will help strengthen preparedness and response capacity for communities and irrigation management areas facing increasing flood and drought risks. Climate resilience requires both infrastructure and preparedness at the local level,” Mr. Narong said, highlighting the benefits for agricultural areas.
The handover activities formed part of broader regional cooperation efforts to strengthen climate resilience, disaster preparedness, sustainable water resource management, and community resilience across vulnerable agricultural areas in the LM region.
