The Chao Phraya River has flooded Bang Ban and Wat Taku Health Promotes Service, with water rising 70 cm in one day. Staff must row boats to transport patients seeking medical care, while the Royal Irrigation Department gradually releases water from the Chao Phraya Dam at 1,750 cubic meters per second to reduce downstream impact in the dam’s vicinity.
On 24 Sept 2026, reporters reported flooding in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province affecting several areas, including Bang Ban, Sena, and Phak Hai districts, after the Royal Irrigation Department increased water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam to approximately 1,600–1,700 cubic meters per second, causing downstream water levels to rise between 70 cm and 1.20 meters.
Today, our team visited Bang Ban district and found water quickly flooding communities, especially around Wat Taku Health Promotes Service, where water levels rose about 70 cm in one day, compared to dry conditions yesterday.
Officials rushed to move belongings to higher ground and created a temporary walkway from the road to the second floor, but the health center remains open and operational.
Officials said the center has four staff members who also care for four bedridden patients in the community. The lower floor of the center floods annually, so they primarily use the upper floor.
Currently, residents can still access services normally, but if water levels rise further, the center plans to shift to providing mobile services and distributing medicine across all nine villages to ensure safety for patients and staff.
Today, a case highlighted villagers' difficulties: Mrs. Pranom Phetthapthim, 68, came to the health center for wound cleaning after her foot was deeply injured by a door bolt yesterday, requiring four stitches and continuous treatment over seven days.
However, upon arrival, she could not enter the center due to flooded access. Staff had to row a boat to pick her up outside and bring her inside for wound care.
Mrs. Pranom said that when she came yesterday, the area was still dry, but today the water rose rapidly, affecting travel to the hospital. She added that while water only reaches her house’s front currently, her younger sibling’s house next door is already flooded under the floor.
Regarding the situation, Mrs. Pranom admitted she was worried because villagers were unprepared for the rapid water rise. She hopes the water will recede soon since Bang Ban often floods, but heavy flooding causing damage greatly troubles residents.
After the conversation, Wat Taku Health Promotes Service staff rowed a boat to pick up Mrs. Pranom and take her inside for wound cleaning, amid rising water levels continuing in the area.
On the same day (24 Sept 2026), Mr. Witthaya Kaewmee, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, along with Mr. Songkran Chaloesritong, Director of Irrigation Office 12, Mr. Thanet Sombun, Director of Water Management and Hydrology Bureau, and related officials, visited the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province to monitor water and management strategies after continuous rain upstream last week increased inflows to the Chao Phraya basin.
At 06:00 on 24 Sept 2026, station C2 in Mueang Nakhon Sawan district recorded water flow at 1,777 cubic meters per second.
The Royal Irrigation Department manages upstream water by gradually raising water levels behind the Chao Phraya Dam to help slow water flow and reduce rapid downstream impact, while fully utilizing irrigation systems on both sides without flooding. They have issued warnings to provinces upstream that may be affected and adjusted dam discharge to 1,750 cubic meters per second to align with upstream inflows and increased rainfall, informing relevant agencies and continuously updating the public to enable timely preparedness.
Although upstream water inflow is beginning to decrease, the Meteorological Department forecasts increased rain in the central region from today until 27 Sept 2026, potentially raising water volumes and levels in the Chao Phraya basin. Therefore, close monitoring remains necessary.
The Director-General has instructed irrigation offices to plan water management with comprehensive data analysis and continuous situation assessment to ensure effective and appropriate water management prioritizing public safety and infrastructure. He also emphasized continuous communication and warnings to provide accurate information so the public can prepare promptly and minimize possible impacts.