Safety
Rising Chao Phraya River Levels Cause Flooding in Ayutthaya
Increased water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam has led to rapid flooding in low-lying areas of Sena District, Ayutthaya, forcing residents to rely on boats for transport.
On September 22, 2026, Khaosod Online reported that residents in the Sena District of Ayutthaya province are facing significant flooding following a decision by the Royal Irrigation Department to increase water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam. The discharge rate was raised from 1,300 to 1,500 cubic meters per second to manage incoming water from northern regions and recent heavy rainfall.
This adjustment has caused the Noi River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya, to overflow its banks, particularly affecting low-lying communities outside of flood embankments. In Ban Krathum sub-district, water levels rose by approximately one meter overnight, catching many residents off guard. Local families have been forced to relocate belongings to higher ground and now rely exclusively on boats to navigate the area. At least 7-8 households in the immediate vicinity are currently impacted.
For residents and travelers in the region, this situation highlights the vulnerability of riverside areas during the monsoon season. While the immediate impact is localized to low-lying zones, those planning to visit or reside near the Chao Phraya or Noi rivers should monitor local updates, as further discharge adjustments may occur depending on upstream water volume and weather conditions. It remains to be confirmed how long these elevated water levels will persist and whether additional districts will face similar inundation in the coming days.