"Teng" urged the government to reveal a clear water management plan rather than just distributing foam. Local residents poured out their frustrations, complaining about being repeatedly left to drown, and challenged ministers to live and experience life in the affected areas.
On 25 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party, along with Mr. Tawiwong Totawiwong, former MP of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, led a team to survey the flood situation at the Bang Ban flood retention fields in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. This area serves as a critical frontline before water flows into the Bangkok metropolitan area. The survey began at the water pumping gates entering Bang Ban-Ban Paen fields in Phong Pheng Subdistrict, Pa Mok District, Ang Thong Province, continuing through the culverts under Bang Ban fields in Bang Luang Dod Subdistrict and the water discharge gate at Khlong Tanung to assess government readiness for the incoming floodwaters.
Mr. Natthapong revealed that the Chao Phraya Dam is currently releasing water at 1,750 cubic meters per second, causing water levels outside the dike to rise. Heavy rainfall may force an increase to 2,000 cubic meters per second, potentially expanding the flood crisis. Although the government has started distributing foam as initial aid, what the people really want is a clear water management plan. He proposed four urgent measures: establishing standard permanent shelters; preparing evacuation tools and boats; preemptively relocating vulnerable groups; and implementing a genuine provincial-level emergency plan, especially fixing the water pumping system to prevent residents from bearing repeated floods. He also insisted on immediate compensation payments to flood-affected landowners without waiting for waters to recede.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tawiwong Totawiwong added that many current temporary shelters arise from local headmen’s personal management and funding, with the government not fully supporting them. As a result, many residents must camp in tents alongside roads, risking safety. He called on the government to build permanent shelters equipped with proper facilities and to expedite approval of compensation funds to alleviate initial hardships.
However, the atmosphere during the field visit to listen to problems at Wat Bang Kathee, Hua Wiang Subdistrict, Sena District, was tense. Mr. Damrong Kongsombat, the headman of Hua Wiang, emotionally expressed his frustration over floodwaters rising to the second floor of houses, blaming ineffective water management and repetitive use of the same plans that worsen the people’s suffering. He challenged top officials and the prime minister to live in the flood-affected areas for two to three days to understand the villagers’ plight and stop viewing Ayutthaya residents as people who must accept being flood catchment areas.
At the same time, Mr. Pui Saengnak, a Bang Ban resident who previously brought a container to the parliament to demand flood relief, again brought his container to meet Mr. Natthapong. He bluntly asked why officials had visited the area and heard demands before but no changes occurred, questioning what help could be offered now. He stated that residents can no longer endure the hardship, having faced repeated flooding for two consecutive years. Mr. Natthapong promised to use all available mechanisms to pressure the government to improve water management and fully implement aid measures for the residents.