Heavy rain and flash floods in Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province, caused a mudslide that buried the Hu Bon Wan Monastery, resulting in the death of one monk. Rescue teams have entered the area to help flood-trapped residents move to safe locations.
On 25 September 2026, persistent heavy rain in Chanthaburi Province affected multiple areas, especially Kaeng Hang Maeo District, where flash floods and waterlogging occurred in several locations. Recently, a mudslide buried a monk's residence at Hu Bon Wan Monastery, Village No. 8, Phwa Subdistrict, Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province. Reports confirmed one monk died, and authorities are rushing to inspect and provide assistance.
Around noon, Sawang Katanyu Chanthaburi Rescue received a report of a mudslide burying a monk's residence within the monastery. Initially, reports indicated a monk was injured and trapped inside, later confirmed that one monk had died. Rescue teams and related agencies rushed to the site amid ongoing rain, which hindered their operations.
Simultaneously, Sawang Katanyu Chanthaburi volunteer rescue teams deployed personnel and boats into flooded areas to support residents. They assisted in relocating elderly, patients, and vulnerable groups, as well as moving belongings to higher ground. They also helped deliver food and supplies from government agencies to residents still sheltering at home. For those needing evacuation, officials stood ready to assist immediately.
Earlier, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) sent a Cell Broadcast message warning Chanthaburi residents of heavy and continuous rainfall, advising vigilance against flash floods, flash floods, mudslides, and river overflows. The alert covered low-lying and hillside areas in three districts: Kaeng Hang Maeo (Phwa, Sam Phi Nong, Khao Wong Kot, and Khun Song Subdistricts), Tha Mai (Khao Kaeo, Thung Benja, Ramphan, and Khomong Subdistricts), and Na Yai Am (Na Yai Am, Wang Mai, and Wang Tonot Subdistricts), as well as nearby areas. Residents were urged to move belongings to higher ground, relocate vehicles, secure valuables and documents, and beware of electrical hazards.
The situation in Kaeng Hang Maeo District remains concerning, especially in Khun Song Subdistrict, where flash floods rapidly inundated agricultural land and homes. Some residents are trapped inside their houses, requiring rescue teams to use boats to assist and evacuate people from dangerous areas.
At the road behind Wang Pong Market in Kaeng Hang Maeo District, strong floodwaters submerged the roadway, prompting warnings for residents to avoid the area. Meanwhile, in Chanthaburi town, particularly near the Chanthaburi River, residents in low-lying areas continue to monitor water levels closely.
The Meteorological Department reported that from 25 to 27 September 2026, the eastern region will experience heavy rain in many areas, with some places seeing very heavy rainfall. They urged the public to remain vigilant for flash floods and flash floods during this period.
At approximately 15:00, Mr. Thawatchai Namsamut, Deputy Governor of Chanthaburi, visited Kaeng Hang Maeo District to assess the situation and personally oversee the response, accompanied by officials from the Chanthaburi Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and related agencies. They are working urgently to evaluate the situation, plan aid for residents, and closely monitor the mudslide incident at Hu Bon Wan Monastery.
Regarding the mudslide incident, officials are still inspecting the area to assess damage, count injuries, and officially confirm details about the deceased monk. Due to ongoing rain and risks of further landslides, the public is advised to avoid hazardous zones and follow official announcements closely.