In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, residents of Pak Phai district revealed they believed the MP's announcement that there would be no flooding this year, which led to complacency as water levels rose rapidly by one meter per day. Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported flooding in six districts of Ayutthaya—Bang Ban, Sena, Pak Phai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Sai, and Bang Pa-in—affecting 52 subdistricts, 285 villages, and 7 communities, with a total of 5,835 households impacted.
On 24 September 2026, reporters covered the water situation in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province after the Chao Phraya Dam continued increasing water discharge downstream. This caused rising water levels in the Chao Phraya River, Noi River, and several tributaries, especially affecting riverside areas and communities outside flood embankments, leading to widespread impact.
At Village 1, Tha Din Daeng subdistrict, Pak Phai district, a riverside community along the Noi River, flooding occurred as river water overflowed the banks, submerging homes with water about one meter deep. Residents rushed to move belongings to higher ground, and travel within the community required rowing boats due to flooding under houses and surrounding paths.
A local resident said that this year water levels rose so quickly that many families were caught unprepared. Normally, when warned about increased water discharge, residents gradually packed their belongings and prepared, as water levels usually rise about 10–20 centimeters daily. This time, however, water surged rapidly, and by morning homes were already flooded underneath, causing damage to some possessions.
Mr. Hasanai, 51, a resident of Village 1, Tha Din Daeng subdistrict, said this area is prone to repeated flooding, and locals know to prepare when the flood season starts. But this year, the water arrived much earlier than expected.
Mr. Hasanai added that earlier he saw the MP’s announcement stating there would be no flooding this year. Along with slower water flow earlier in the season, he and some residents felt confident there would be no flood or that it would not be severe, so they did not prepare as urgently as in previous years.
However, water levels rose rapidly this time—from the usual 10–20 centimeters daily to nearly one meter per day—making it difficult for residents to respond and move their belongings in time.
Mr. Hasanai said his family has three houses close together. During flood season, they usually help each other move items to higher ground. This year, with the water coming fast, they had to rush to evacuate belongings. He emphasized that residents in flood-prone areas don’t just want compensation payments, as these cannot cover the damage and lost income.
“No one wants compensation money if flooding can be avoided. When floods happen, residents spend money protecting, repairing, and cleaning homes. Sometimes they cannot work or trade, losing months of earnings. Then flood damage costs wipe out their savings, making it hard for many to recover,” Mr. Hasanai said.
Ms. Pawina Thongsakulphan, head of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, stated that currently six districts in the province are affected by flooding: Bang Ban, Sena, Pak Phai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Sai, and Bang Pa-in. This includes 52 subdistricts, 285 villages, and 7 communities, impacting 5,835 households.
The latest water situation shows the Chao Phraya Dam has increased discharge to 1,750 cubic meters per second, causing water levels in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya to rise further and potentially expanding affected areas.
The province has coordinated with local administrative organizations to prepare personnel to assist residents and requested military support. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has prepared water pumps, flat-bottom boats, generators, tents, and aid equipment, supported by the Disaster Prevention Center Region 2 in Suphanburi, to handle the expanding flood situation.