A 66-year-old woman from Chachoengsao Province has endured floodwaters for over 25 days. She revealed being bitten by leeches while wading through the water and has preserved dozens of them as souvenirs. She lamented that the 9,000-baht compensation is inadequate to cover the damages.
On the morning of 20 Oct 2026 GMT+7, reporters surveyed the flood situation in Village 10, Sala Daeng Subdistrict, Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province. This community lies along the Khlong Saen Saeb canal near Khlong Luang Paeng, at the border with Nong Chok District, Bangkok. Floodwaters still stand at about 30-40 centimeters, especially covering roads and walkways inside alleys, forcing residents to use boats instead of walking due to a dense leech population, fearing bites while wading.
Residents have lived with flooding for more than 25 days. In some houses, water has entered so deeply that beds are submerged. People have had to find slightly elevated spots to sleep on. Villagers have placed wooden boards as bridges connecting dry areas to avoid walking through leech-infested water.
Ms. Chantra, 66, a local resident, said that after water inside her home began to recede about two days ago, she started using a pump to accelerate drainage. Although the interior began to dry, floodwater still surrounds the house and entrances, drastically changing daily life. What was once accessible by foot or vehicle has required the use of boats for more than 25 days.
Ms. Chantra added that beyond flooding, she must be cautious of leeches in the water, having been bitten multiple times. When leeches attach to her body, she uses vinegar to help them detach, avoiding pulling them off directly to prevent wounds and bleeding. She preserves leeches that have bitten her as keepsakes, including those caught while spotting them in the water. When shown to reporters, dozens of preserved leeches were displayed.
Ms. Chantra also commented that the 9,000-baht flood compensation received is insufficient to cover the damages and expenses incurred, especially since family members and relatives’ homes have also been affected by the flooding.
Meanwhile, Ms. Somsri Naruthai, 65, who lives nearby, shared that she also uses a boat to travel in and out and has endured the prolonged flooding. She cares for her grandchildren by living on the second floor to avoid contact with the leech-infested water below. This situation highlights the hardships faced by residents along Khlong Luang Paeng, who not only endure prolonged flooding but also live in fear of leeches, compounding the difficulties for flood victims in the area.