Ayutthaya temples protected as Chao Phraya rises

Monks, military personnel and officials are strengthening flood defences at two major riverside temples in Ayutthaya as water levels rise following increased releases from the Chao Phraya Dam.

Levels in the Chao Phraya, Noi and several tributaries continued to increase, beginning to affect communities outside flood embankments in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.

The work is focused on protecting historic monuments, including sites visited by both Thai and overseas tourists. For visitors planning day trips from Bangkok, Wat Chaiwatthanaram remains open and its main roads and access routes have not been flooded.

Barrier installed at Wat Kasattrathirat

At Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan in Ban Pom subdistrict, on the Chao Phraya River, water was rising steadily and the current remained strong. The river level was about 30 centimetres below the temple's outer riverbank.

More than 30 monks and novices joined military personnel to install a modular flood barrier along an inner part of the temple grounds. The 120-metre barrier is 1.9 metres high and is intended to stop river water reaching important areas within the temple.

Two water pumps were tested to prepare for any water seeping through the defences.

Historic Wat Chaiwatthanaram remains open

Fine Arts Department officials have installed a 1.9-metre-high prefabricated barrier along around 165 metres of the Chao Phraya riverfront at Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The system uses 138 panels, with tarpaulins and sandbags reinforcing it.

Automatic pumps have been installed to remove seepage entering the archaeological site, while workers were filling further sandbags in case the water rises again. Water there was also about 30 centimetres below the outer riverbank.

Officials said the barrier had been used previously when river levels were higher than at present and remained structurally sound. Tourism was continuing normally, with the temple open to Thai and foreign visitors.

Around 50 households affected

Amornrat Kruengkrai, chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, said higher releases from the Chao Phraya Dam were beginning to affect residents outside flood embankments.

About 50 households had already been affected in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality and the subdistricts of Ban Mai, Khlong Takhian and Phu Khao Thong.

The district is working with the Fine Arts Department, military personnel and other agencies on barriers and measures to prevent water entering key historic areas. Village chiefs, subdistrict heads and community leaders have been told to prepare for further rises, with particular attention ordered for patients and vulnerable residents already identified for rapid assistance.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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26 September 2026