In Pathum Thani, many residents have brought their cars to park at Wat Phra Dhammakaya to escape flooding. Locals lament, wishing the government would resolve the problem more quickly. The assistant abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya revealed that on the second day, about 3,000–4,000 vehicles had already been parked there.
On 26 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed that at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Khlong Song Subdistrict, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, many people brought their personal cars to park inside the temple’s parking buildings. This followed an announcement by Wat Phra Dhammakaya and the Dhammakaya Foundation opening Parking Building 1 to assist residents affected and concerned by the ongoing water drainage situation after continuous rain in Khlong Luang and nearby areas. Throughout the day, many people arrived to park their cars, leading the temple to open Parking Buildings 2 and 3 as well because Parking Building 1 quickly filled up. This was to accommodate the steadily arriving vehicles since early morning.
Meanwhile, Phra Khru Samuh Sanitwong Wuttiwanso, PhD, Director of the Organizational Communication Office and assistant abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, along with Ms. Abisara Kasin Ketin, Khlong Luang District Chief, and Mr. Ongart Nat Thammanita, spokesman for Wat Phra Dhammakaya devotees, were coordinating traffic assistance for those parking inside Buildings 1, 2, and 3.
Mr. Ekkawat Saengdao, 56, a local resident from Khlong Song, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, said he chose to park his car at Wat Phra Dhammakaya because he lacked confidence in the government's flood prevention measures, even though his home had not yet been affected. He noted that information about the water situation was sometimes unclear, and government warnings and actions left residents uneasy. Therefore, he preferred to move his car to what he considered a safer place. In Khlong Song, water levels in the canal have nearly overflowed onto roads, flooding many sections, though homes remain safe without water entering. He believes the main concern is heavy rainfall combined with incoming water from the north, making control and prevention difficult. Preparing in advance is the safest option.
Mr. Kowit Kaewphanthong, 40, from Khlong Nueng area, said he decided to park his car at Wat Phra Dhammakaya out of concern that rising water near his home could worsen, especially if rain continues. Currently, water levels near his home are beginning to rise, and he estimates the situation as "50-50." He admitted feeling worried about his family's safety and property if the rain persists daily. He trusts the temple’s management and security system and noticed many others also parking there, reflecting local anxiety about flooding. He urged government agencies to improve flood defenses, particularly by distributing sandbags throughout villages and communities and to increase assistance efforts to reduce impacts as the situation worsens.
Mr. Krisana Puangaram, 34, from Khlong Song, said he parked his car at Wat Phra Dhammakaya due to concerns that flooding might severely damage vehicles. After seeing news of other areas where cars were completely submerged and it took days for water to recede, he wanted to protect his car, which is still under installment payments, by parking in a higher place. He added that traveling from Khlong Song to the temple was smooth without traffic issues. Regarding the flood situation, he felt that communication and response measures were insufficient or delayed. Initially, he thought the water level would be low, but on arrival, the flooding was severe enough to prevent travel. He also has relatives in the city who have been heavily affected by floods, unable to travel, impacting their work and daily life. He called on government and related authorities to speed up water drainage efforts by pumping or channeling water to the sea to alleviate citizens' hardship and reduce damages.
Ms. Abisara Kasin, Khlong Luang District Chief, stated that the district, together with related agencies, has prepared measures to assist residents parking their cars at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, which offers suitable parking buildings and security systems. The district had promoted using the temple’s parking areas beforehand. Currently, over 3,000 vehicles have parked there, with capacity for more. Coordination with village heads, local administrative organizations, and police continues to facilitate traffic. Security personnel at the temple manage parking and orderly entry and exit. However, since the parking building entrance is a single-lane road, minor slowdowns may occur. Drivers are asked to reduce speed and queue safely.
Regarding floodwaters in Khlong Luang District, the district office has integrated efforts with local governments, village heads, and the irrigation project to prepare since last week after receiving forecasts of heavy rain. Water pumps have been installed sufficiently at key points, actively pumping water from canals, low-lying areas, and housing estates to expedite drainage into canals, minimizing impacts on residents.
Phra Khru Samuh Sanitwong Wuttiwanso, PhD, Director of the Organizational Communication Office at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, said the temple recognizes residents’ difficulties from flooding and has opened its parking buildings as temporary vehicle shelters. They ask users to register before parking and to take care of their belongings to ensure smooth operations. This initiative is supported by Khlong Luang District Chief and relevant government agencies that assist residents using the service. On the first day, only Parking Building 1 was open, accommodating about 1,000 vehicles. By the second day, around 3,000–4,000 vehicles had arrived, prompting the temple to open Buildings 1, 2, and 3 and prepare to open Building 4 to meet growing demand amid continuing heavy rain. Wat Phra Dhammakaya confirms its readiness to serve those needing parking and sends encouragement to all flood victims to overcome this situation swiftly.