Severe Flooding Hits Seven Districts in Ayutthaya
Severe flooding across seven Ayutthaya districts has submerged roads and isolated communities, with water levels rising 1-2 meters in a week as the Chao Phraya Dam increases discharge. Nearly 20,200 households are affected, with residents f
Ayutthaya is experiencing severe flooding across seven districts, with communities surrounding the ancient city island bearing the brunt. Water levels have risen 1-2 meters within a single week, with roads in many communities now flooded and some areas cut off entirely.
As of September 28, the flooding situation is affecting a wide area, especially riverbank and canal communities. The Chao Phraya Dam has increased water discharge to 1,950 cubic meters per second, and continuous rainfall has raised water levels in the main river and tributary canals, submerging community roads in multiple locations.
Seven districts are now affected: Sena, Pak Hai, Bang Baan, Bang Thai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-In, and Bang Pahan, encompassing 95 subdistricts, 479 villages, 20 communities, and 20,173 households. One death has been reported so far in Sena District.
Reporters surveying conditions around the ancient city island—which lies outside the main flood barrier—found water levels continuing to rise. Discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam is steadily inundating riverside and canal communities surrounding the island.
At Hua Laem Community, Moo 4, Tha Wa Sukhri Subdistrict in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, water has overflowed riverbanks and flooded dozens of homes along the Chao Phraya and the city canal, which draws water from the main river. Community roads are so submerged that vehicles cannot pass normally.
Temporary wooden bridges built for residents have been overwhelmed as water levels continue rising rapidly. Residents are now using boats to travel in and out of the community for medical visits, food shopping, and daily necessities.
Saifen, a local resident, reported that water rose dramatically over the past 5-7 days, rising several meters at properties on the riverbank. The wooden bridge installed by Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality became unusable within days of opening as floodwaters submerged it, forcing residents to rely on boats instead.
She added that homes along the city canal are experiencing 1-2 meters of flooding in some areas. Although the water came early this year and started slowly, it rose rapidly once levels began climbing, particularly where the Chao Phraya meets the city canal where strong currents have forced residents to quickly move belongings and adapt to conditions.
Sodsri, 72, a local resident, revealed that family members had to row her out to see a doctor after her regular medication ran out. Although she initially hoped to stay home during the flooding, the need for medicine forced her to venture out. "I didn't want to go out during the flood, but my medicine ran out so I had to paddle through the water," she said. "The water rose in about a week, maybe 5-7 days. It came up very fast, rising meter by meter. It's very difficult—we have to use boats."
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality has distributed boats to flood-affected residents for transport while roads remain submerged and is preparing further assistance and support. Residents continue to monitor water levels closely as they are expected to rise further.
