The 2021-procedure for coastal protection by revetments in Thailand

Abstract

When a revetment is selected to protect an eroding coastline, a proper implementation procedure is required to ensure that the revetment is successful. During the last 5 years (2016–2020), Thailand has armored 45.7 km of its shoreline with revetments. Its experience and the lessons learnt from past consecutive revetment implementations have shaped a procedure to integrate engineering, social, and environmental aspects into the whole process. The nine stages involved in Thailand’s revetment implementation are elaborated by using the Laem Ngoo beach revetment as an example. Although Thailand’s 2021 revetment implementation procedure may not be the best approach in different physical and social environment, it may be useful for coastal practitioners to learn from and follow if they find such an approach to be sustainable.