Bangkok: Ayutthaya is facing significant flooding issues, with water spreading across eight districts and rising in communities along the Chao Phraya River. This situation is especially impacting mosques. The Pasak Chonlaburi Dam is set to increase water discharge from September 24, warning of potential overflow in low-lying areas downstream.
According to Thai News Agency, the flooding in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province has affected 8 districts, 103 sub-districts, 626 villages, and over 31,227 households. In Phu Khao Thong Sub-district, notably the Darussunnah Mosque, which is outside the embankment, has been submerged, causing travel difficulties for residents. Some require boats or must wade through water to access their homes and places of worship.
The Phu Khao Thong Subdistrict Administrative Organization is working to build a temporary bridge for mosque access and is clearing trees and weeds to improve boat traffic. They are closely monitoring the rising water levels in the Chao Phraya River.
Local resident Mr. Thirayuth, 43, reported his house is flooded nearly waist-high, complicating daily commutes and access to prayers due to the mosque's flooding.
The Pasak Cholasit Dam, preparing to increase water discharge, has issued warnings about potential bank overflows. The dam's reservoir holds 743 million cubic meters of water, or 77% of its capacity. Current outflow is at 662 cubic meters per second, with plans to gradually increase discharge to 650 cubic meters per second starting September 24, 2025, which could lead to river level rises of 1.50-1.80 meters, affecting low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province is maintaining a water release rate of 2,200 cubic meters per second. The Royal Irrigation Department is managing northern water inflows and is ready to increase discharge downstream if necessary. Continued rainfall is forecasted, with the potential for heavy falls, prompting officials to advise residents in at-risk areas to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding.