Parliamentary Committee Urges Urgent Action to Protect Flooded Historic Temples

On October 15, 2026, the House Committee on Religion, Art, and Culture announced an urgent meeting scheduled for next week to develop a long-term disaster prevention plan for Thailand's historic temples. Committee Chair Thiwalrat Angkinan highlighted the critical need for systematic protection of registered archaeological sites, particularly in Ayutthaya and Phetchaburi provinces, which frequently suffer from seasonal flooding.

For residents and visitors, these sites represent vital historical archives and centers of community life. Recent flooding in Phetchaburi affected Wat Yai Suwannaram and Wat Sa Bua. While emergency pumping efforts successfully cleared the water within 24 hours, preventing immediate structural damage to foundations, officials remain concerned about long-term risks. The primary issue is accumulated moisture, as these low-lying structures are susceptible to dampness from both heavy rainfall and groundwater, which threatens the integrity of walls and artistic elements.

The committee is now pressuring the Fine Arts Department to accelerate intervention strategies. While initial assessments suggest the main structures remain stable, the long-term impact of moisture on these ancient buildings is still being monitored. Travelers planning to visit historic sites in these regions should check local updates, as restoration or maintenance work may occasionally restrict access to specific areas of temple grounds.