Heavy Flooding Strikes Kaeng Hang Maew; Monk Dies in Landslide

Heavy, continuous rainfall in western Chanthaburi province, particularly in the upstream areas of Kaeng Hang Maew district, triggered flash floods, overflowing riverbanks, and sudden flooding on September 25, 2569 (2026). Homes, orchards, and roads in Khun Song, Phua, and Sam Phi Nong subdistricts sustained widespread damage. The crisis has left many residents stranded in their homes. Provincial police, local administration, military, police, and the Sawang Gratitude volunteer rescue group have deployed boats and rescue teams to move belongings and electrical appliances to higher ground, and to evacuate bedridden patients from risk areas, hampered by overnight rain.

Secondary village connector roads, including Tham Tarn Temple Road and roads linking to Ban Wang I-an in Phua subdistrict, remain impassable due to high water levels, though the main Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) remains open. A tragedy struck Phua subdistrict when heavy accumulated rainfall caused a mudslide to collapse a meditation hall at Hup Bon Waan monastery in Phua subdistrict, Kaeng Hang Maew district. Rescue teams confirmed one monk dead at the scene; the body is being recovered and formal investigation is ongoing.

Chanthaburi Provincial Police issued a Cell Broadcast alert to residents in risk areas near waterways and hillsides, particularly in Kaeng Hang Maew, Tha Mai, and Nai Ai districts, urging residents to move belongings to higher ground, relocate vehicles, and be cautious of electrical hazards. In the town area near the Sarabap hills around Thongtaw Temple in Khlong Nakhon subdistrict, dark floodwaters from Khlong Tat and Khlong Nakhon are visible but not yet severe. Chanthaburi Provincial Administration and local authorities have installed two large water pumps to discharge water into Khlong Pakdi Ramphai at over 10 million liters per hour, speeding drainage in low-lying areas, while rope barriers have been erected along water drainage routes to prevent accidents.