Monks Stranded at Wat Bualim as Three Rivers Surround Temple

The flood situation in Bang Nam Pheew continues to be severe, with Wat Bualim temple isolated by three rivers and water levels around two metres deep for over ten days. Three monks residing at the temple are experiencing shortages of drinking water and food, and three temple cattle have no grass to eat. On 12 October 2022, a reporter learned from Jet Buntham, a disciple of the abbot of Wat Bang Nam Pheew, that a relief team would bring rice, dry food and cooking supplies to Wat Bualim in Moo 2, Yothaka Subdistrict, Bang Nam Pheew District, Chachoengsao. The temple area has become like an island after surrounding floodwaters encircled it, making vehicle access impossible and necessitating travel by boat only. Wat Bualim sits where waterways from Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok merge before entering the Bang Pakong River, which has caused continuous flooding since the onset of the disaster in Bang Nam Pheew. While approaching the area, reporters saw more than 100 rai of flooded rice fields stretching as far as the eye could see, with sandbags erected to contain the water within Moo 2 Yothaka. Water depth in the fields measured about 1.6 metres, and the journey by boat through the submerged fields, past gardens and homes, took over forty minutes to reach the temple. Along the route, many houses were inundated, with water levels nearly reaching the roofs in some cases, underscoring the severity of the flood. Upon arrival, the team met with volunteers from the Sawang Rojean Thammasathan Sattahip Foundation in Chonburi, who delivered rice, dry food, drinking water and cooking ingredients to the temple. The team was led by Kereen Chamabun, president of the Phong Kong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, who also distributed life jackets to the monks due to water depths exceeding two metres behind the temple. Jirapat Tharaphun, a 55‑year‑old volunteer from the same foundation, said the rescue operation remained difficult because water levels had receded only slightly, keeping roads inaccessible and forcing reliance on boats. The aid package included rice, food, snacks, grilled pork, drinking water and squid, donated by generous contributors to assist the monks and flood‑affected locals. Phrakru Samuchai Ratt Chinwaro, abbot of Wat Bualim, explained that the temple had been affected by the flood for over ten days because its grounds are island‑like, surrounded by rivers and situated on the path of water flowing from Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok toward the Bang Pakong River. This has caused water to rise and inundate the temple continually, affecting the pavilion, lower monk quarters and access roads, while the rear of the temple adjacent to the Bang Pakong River remains very deep, preventing any vehicle passage even though the current is not strong.