Authorities in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, Thailand, are reinforcing flood defenses at riverside temples and historic sites as rising water levels from increased releases at the Chao Phraya Dam threaten the area. On Thursday, water levels in the Chao Phraya, Noi, and several tributaries continued to rise, impacting communities along the riverbanks and areas located outside existing flood embankments.

At Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan in Ban Pom subdistrict, located beside the Chao Phraya River, water levels approached about 30 centimeters below the temple's outer riverbank, with strong currents observed. More than 30 monks and novices joined military personnel to install a modular flood barrier on an inner section of the temple grounds. The barrier, measuring 120 meters in length and standing 1.9 meters high, aims to prevent floodwaters from entering key areas within the temple.

Similarly, officials from the Fine Arts Department have erected a 1.9-meter-high prefabricated flood barrier along approximately 165 meters of the riverfront at the historic Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Despite rising river conditions, the site remains open to both Thai and international visitors, with main roads and access routes remaining free of flooding, allowing tourism activities to continue uninterrupted.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district chief Amornrat Kruengkrai reported that sustained increases in water releases from the Chao Phraya Dam have begun to affect residents living outside the flood embankments. Approximately 50 households have been impacted across Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality, as well as the Ban Mai, Khlong Takhian, and Phu Khao Thong subdistricts.

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have ramped up measures to protect cultural heritage sites and communities as the wet season progresses.