Thailand's Tropical Thresholds

This book dives into in-depth case studies across Thailand's low-lying coastal regions and its rapidly changing urban centers. It focuses on main coastal provinces and regions, where multidisciplinary research shows how hydro-meteorological hazards (such as storm surges, flash floods, erosion) are reshaping both natural environments and human systems. Detailed physico-geomorphological modelling reveals dramatic rates of erosion and accretion, up to -34.5 m/year on mangrove coastlines, versus -4 m/year on sandy beaches, with projections of increased storm severity and flooding because of sea-level rise. The book provides a comprehensive perspective on resilience changes by fusing case-study narratives with institutional analysis, policy evaluation, and UN/Green Climate Fund-backed initiatives. In addition to concrete infrastructure, it highlights nature-based solutions (such as mangrove replanting, sand fences, and crab banks), highlighting the connections between sustainable urban development, multi-scale governance, and local knowledge. In sum, this book offers a detailed yet comprehensive picture of urban and coastal resilience, making it an essential tool for academics, decision-makers, and practitioners involved in climate adaptation in tropical coastal regions.

Ali Cheshmehzangi is a Professor and Head of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning (ADP) at The University of Queensland. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Hunan University. He is the Brisbane Olympics Committee member for Games Legacy and Growth Sub-Committee as well as the Expert member of the 2032 Games led by UQ. He has been in the World's top 2 percent field leader since 2021, recognised by Stanford University. He is among the top 20 global scholars in the urban sustainability research area, as well as the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Urban Sustainability (US) Book Series with Springer. Ali has a wealth of experience, expertise, and a strong commitment to innovation and excellence in the fields of architecture, design, and planning, the three core disciplines of his School at UQ. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to the academic and professional communities, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious design. Prior to joining UQ, Ali held several strategic leadership and senior managerial roles, such as Vice-President for International Engagement and Global Partnership, Founding Director and Head of the Center for Innovation in Education and Research, Head of the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Founding Director of the Urban Innovation Lab, Director of a university-wide Teaching and Learning platform, Director of International Research Network for Rural and Urban Development, Founder and Head of Research Group for Sustainable Built Environment, co-director of university-wide research priority areas, Director of Center for Sustainable Energy Technologies, and Interim Director of Digital Design Lab. So far, Ali has published over 600 journal papers, articles, conference papers, book chapters, and reports. This is his 47th academic book, alongside his many poetry collections that he has written in Parsi/Persian and English. Some of his previous academic books have received awards at the national, provincial, and municipal levels. He also has received international awards and recognition for his research on urban resilience studies and sustainability research, as well as a 2018 Vice-Chancellor's award for his impactful contribution to higher education.