Flood-Hit Chachoengsao Villagers Battle Leeches, Inadequate Aid
Residents in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao, have endured severe flooding for over 25 days, with 30-40 centimeters of stagnant water forcing them to travel by boat. The floodwater is infested with leeches that have bitten villagers repeatedly, adding a health hazard to the disaster. Victims say the 9,000 baht government compensation is far from enough to cover their losses and expenses.
Reporters surveyed flood conditions in Moo 10, Sala Daeng subdistrict, Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province on the morning of October 20, 2026. The community along Khlong Saen Saep, bordering Khlong Luang Pheng near the Nong Chok district boundary of Bangkok, remains under 30-40 centimeters of stagnant water. Roads and alleyways are completely submerged, forcing residents to use boats instead of walking. Leeches infest the floodwater, posing a biting hazard.
Villagers have lived with flooding for over 25 days; some homes have water reaching beds, compelling people to sleep on slightly elevated spots. Residents have laid wooden planks as makeshift bridges to avoid wading through leech-infested water.
Ms. Chanthra Thongkam, 66, a local resident, said that after floodwater inside her house began receding about two days ago, she started using a water pump to drain the interior. Although the inside is drying, the surroundings and access routes remain flooded, completely disrupting daily life. Previously able to walk or drive normally, they have relied on boats for over 25 days.
Auntie Chanthra added that beyond the flooding, they must watch for leeches in the water because she has been bitten multiple times. When a leech attaches, she uses lime juice to make it release; she avoids pulling it off directly for fear of causing wounds that won't stop bleeding.
The leeches that bit her were preserved in alcohol as keepsakes — both the biters and others scooped from the water. Dozens of preserved leeches were shown to reporters.
Auntie Chanthra also said the 9,000 baht flood compensation received is insufficient for the damage and expenses incurred, especially since her relatives' homes were also affected.
Meanwhile, Ms. Somsi Naruethai, 65, a neighbor, confirmed she also depends on boats for travel and has endured the flooding for a long time. She cares for her grandchild on the house's second floor to avoid contact with the leech-infested water.
This situation reflects the hardship of residents along Khlong Luang Pheng, who face not only prolonged stagnant flooding but also the constant fear of leeches, compounding the misery of disaster victims in the area.
