Dam Collapse Triggers Floods in Kanchanaburi; Two Missing
Heavy rainfall breached a retention dam in Kanchanaburi's Thong Pha Phum district, sweeping away two residents and triggering widespread floods across multiple areas, with search operations ongoing.
Heavy rainfall across Western Thailand, particularly in Kanchanaburi province, has pushed multiple districts into crisis. In Thong Pha Phum district, continuous rain combined with flash floods from forest streams caused a water retention dam on the route to Ban Kliti in Chalalay subdistrict to breach. Floodwaters swept through the area and swept away two residents. Officials launched urgent search operations on the evening of September 27 but found no trace; rescue efforts resumed at dawn on September 28.
The Thong Pha Phum Municipal Market, administered by Thong Pha Phum Municipality, began experiencing floodwaters crossing the roadway and inundating the market area. Municipal staff deployed to manage traffic and assist residents in relocating electrical appliances and valuables above water level. Authorities continue to monitor rainfall intensity closely, as further precipitation could worsen conditions.
In Ban Had Ngiao, Wang Krachae subdistrict, Sai Yok district, continuous heavy rain combined with forest runoff flowing into the Khwae Noi River caused water levels to rise so sharply that the suspension bridge used as the main local access route was submerged mid-span, cutting off community movement. Officials maintain close surveillance due to concerns that the violent current may damage the bridge structure.
In Kanchanaburi town center, along the riverside road in the municipal area where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers merge to form the Mae Klong River, water from both rivers converged in massive volume, raising water levels more than one meter above normal. Boatmen and raft operators reinforced the ropes securing their rafts to the riverbank, as the powerful current broke loose two rafts during the early morning hours, which subsequently snagged on a bridge near the provincial hall, causing damage.
Food raft vendors along the riverside faced rising water levels spilling onto the roadway, with operators vigilantly monitoring the violent current flow.
