Rayong’s Wat Ban Don Nang Yai Troupe Evacuates Amid Severe Flooding
The historic Nang Yai shadow puppet troupe in Rayong has been forced to evacuate their theater as floodwaters overwhelmed their defenses, sparking concerns for the preservation of this cultural heritage.
On October 2, 2026, the Wat Ban Don Nang Yai troupe in Rayong province faced a critical situation as severe flooding breached their theater. Despite extensive efforts by the troupe, local volunteers, and the Cherng Noen Subdistrict Municipality to block the water with sandbags and manual drainage, the rising floodwaters eventually forced the team to evacuate.
Akornphon Choeng-krai, a key figure in preserving this traditional shadow puppet art, expressed deep concern regarding the vulnerability of these ancestral artifacts. The troupe worked urgently to relocate the delicate leather puppets to prevent permanent damage. While the immediate priority was the safety of the cultural assets, the incident highlights the fragility of local heritage sites when faced with natural disasters.
For residents and visitors, this event underscores the ongoing impact of seasonal flooding on Rayong’s cultural landscape. The troupe has expressed hope that once the waters recede, both government and private sectors will collaborate to restore the theater and support the revival of this unique provincial art form. At this time, the full extent of the damage to the theater’s infrastructure remains to be assessed, and the timeline for the troupe’s return to regular performances is currently unconfirmed.
