The Saraburi branch of Protected Areas Regional Office 1 has announced enhanced safety measures and ordered closures. "Jed Sao Noi Waterfall and Muak Lek Arboretum" temporarily after flash floods, as Khao Yai National Park also announced the closure of "Krok Eedok Waterfall" for two days and ordered staff to maintain strict surveillance.
On 31 August 2026, the Facebook page ofthe Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservationposted that the Saraburi branch of Protected Areas Regional Office 1 has raised safety measures to the highest level, ordering all units under its jurisdiction—including Jed Sao Noi Waterfall National Park and Muak Lek Arboretum—to temporarily close all tourism and activities due to accumulated heavy rainfall causing the water level in Muak Lek Stream to rise rapidly and flow strongly, posing dangers to visitors' lives and property.
Mr. Sutin Prompalad, Director of the Saraburi branch of Protected Areas Regional Office 1, revealed that continuous heavy rain overnight on 30 August 2026 in Muak Lek district, Saraburi, caused a rapid increase in water volume flowing into Muak Lek Stream, resulting in flash floods. For the utmost safety of residents and tourists, the office ordered Jed Sao Noi Waterfall National Park and Muak Lek Arboretum to temporarily close to tourism and suspend all activities on 31 August 2026 for one day to closely monitor the natural disaster situation.
Mr. Pokkrong Thongnueakang, head of Jed Sao Noi Waterfall National Park, said that visitor safety is paramount. When the water current became strong, the park proactively suspended services at Jed Sao Noi Waterfall from levels 1 to 7 and at Ko Si Chang Waterfall immediately, deploying staff to monitor water levels and prepare the area for safe reopening.
Meanwhile, Ms. Juthamas Maisuk, head of Muak Lek Arboretum, added that the arboretum closely monitors water levels in Muak Lek Stream and agrees that a one-day temporary tourism suspension is the best way to prevent accidents. They have assigned staff to inspect the stability of large trees and surrounding structures to ensure maximum safety.
Muak Lek Stream is a significant natural watercourse that collects water from the mountains in Saraburi and nearby areas. During the rainy season, when rainfall accumulates, the stream flows through both Muak Lek Arboretum and down to Jed Sao Noi Waterfall.
The coordinated warning and temporary closure by both agencies follows the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's disaster prevention and mitigation plan to reduce risks to life and property. Next steps include damage assessment, water level evaluation, and clearing water obstructions once conditions normalize before considering reopening, with official announcements to follow.
Meanwhile, Khao Yai National Park declared a temporary closure of Krok Eedok Waterfall in Cha-Om Subdistrict, Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi Province, from 31 August to 1 September 2026, for two days. This follows continuous heavy rainfall upstream causing flash floods and strong currents in the stream, which could threaten tourist safety.
Mr. Chaiya Huayhongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, stated that this temporary closure aligns with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s policy prioritizing tourist safety. The park strictly follows natural disaster monitoring and risk assessment measures to prevent losses from unforeseen events.
“Although the flash flood situation at Krok Eedok Waterfall has begun to subside and return to normal, the park continues to deploy staff to monitor water levels, assess the situation, and closely coordinate weather updates with relevant agencies 24/7, preparing thoroughly before considering reopening,” Mr. Chaiya said.
Next, Khao Yai National Park will send staff to carefully inspect the nature trails and surrounding areas of Krok Eedok Waterfall. If safety systems and the environment are confirmed ready, the park will promptly announce the reopening to the public to assure visitors of a safe nature experience.
Information courtesy of the Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.