Ayutthaya Residents Struggle as Floods Arrive Earlier Than Expected

Ayutthaya residents complain that this year's floodwaters arrived earlier than expected and rose rapidly, leaving many unable to evacuate belongings and agricultural products in time despite adaptation efforts. September 23, 2025 – Reporters documented the flooding situation in Ayutthaya province following the Royal Irrigation Department's announcement of increased water releases from Chao Phraya Dam, which caused rapid rises in water levels across the Nan River and tributary canals, particularly in communities outside the flood barriers. Water overflowed embankments and inundated homes and roads. Despite continuous warnings, some residents were surprised by how quickly water levels surged this year, faster than forecast. Many families were unable to prepare and evacuate belongings and agricultural products in time. In Community 7, Wat Tako Subdistrict, Bang Baan District, 47-year-old farmer Ratana grows Qvek Mrakot, a decorative and auspicious tree exported abroad. She had to urgently relocate plants prepared for overseas customers and seedlings being cultivated, but some could not be moved in time and sustained flood damage. Ratana explained that water began overflowing the embankments and flooding the area about two days ago, but overnight the water level surged dramatically, forcing residents to move trees and belongings throughout the night. The canal water level, previously below the embankment, rose approximately 2 metres, overflowing to flood beneath houses. Current water depth is about 70 centimetres. Area residents know that communities outside flood barriers experience annual flooding and have adapted by constructing storage shelters and preparing elevated areas to move trees and belongings. However, when water rises rapidly, damage still occurs, especially to valuable plants for customers. If evacuation cannot be completed, losses are immediate. "Residents understand this area floods every year, but we do not want flooding, and we do not wish to wait for assistance or compensation because it does not offset our damage. Every year we try to adapt and invest in preparations. If water could be managed and drained into fields to reduce volume and ease the impact on our communities, we hope responsible agencies will consider this," Ratana said.