Ayutthaya Braces for Rising Chao Phraya Floods

As of September 24, water levels in the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries continue to rise following increased releases from the Chao Phraya Dam, affecting areas along the riverbanks and outside flood-control dykes in Ayutthaya province. Authorities are rushing to protect critical heritage sites, particularly Wat Kasetatthirat in Ban Pom subdistrict, where water levels have risen continuously with strong currents. The water level is now only about 30 centimeters below the temple's outer embankment.

More than 30 monks and soldiers are urgently installing a 120-meter-long, 1.9-meter-high knockdown flood barrier inside the temple to prevent water from the Chao Phraya from flowing into the sacred inner areas. Two water pumps have been tested and are ready to remove any seepage that may occur. At Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Fine Arts Department officials have installed a 165-meter-long, 1.9-meter-high prefabricated barrier consisting of 138 panels along the riverbank, reinforced with canvas and sandbags. An automatic pumping system has also been installed to immediately remove any water that seeps through the barriers.

Water levels at Wat Chaiwatthanaram are also about 30 centimeters below the outer embankment. This barrier system has been used successfully during previous, higher flood levels and remains sturdy. Tourists continue to visit the temple normally, and main access roads remain unaffected by flooding. Ayutthaya District Officer Amornrat Grungkrai reported that approximately 50 households in Ban Mai, Khlong Takian, and Phu Khao Thong subdistricts have been affected by the rising water. District authorities, working with the Fine Arts Department, military, and relevant agencies, have completed flood-barrier installations at heritage sites and are prepared for further rises. Community leaders have been advised to prepare for flooding and to pay special attention to vulnerable groups including the elderly and ill.