Flash floods from Khao Yai swamp four Prachin Buri districts

PRACHINBURI — Flash floods from Khao Yai National Park have inundated four districts in Prachin Buri province, with officials describing the situation in Prachantakham as the worst in 30 to 40 years.

Authorities have ordered the temporary closure of six tourist sites, including several waterfalls, after accumulated rainfall in parts of Khao Yai exceeded 100 millimeters.

The flooding affected Kabin Buri, Si Maha Phot, Prachantakham and Na Di districts, while officials mobilized emergency teams to evacuate residents, particularly vulnerable groups, and establish temporary shelters.

At 23:40 on 26 September 2026, reports from Prachinburi said heavy and continuous rainfall in Khao Yai National Park had sent muddy, reddish floodwater rushing into streams and waterfalls, causing water levels to rise rapidly.

Chaiya Huayhongthong, chief of Khao Yai National Park, said accumulated rainfall on the Prachinburi side, particularly around Takro Waterfall in Prachantakham district and Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Na Di district, had exceeded 100mm.

Authorities classified the situation as highly dangerous and ordered six tourist checkpoints and attractions to close for two days:

1. Noen Hom checkpoint, Prachinburi
2. San Chao Pho Khao Yai checkpoint, Nakhon Ratchasima
3. Takro Waterfall, Prachantakham
4. Kaeng Hin Phoeng, Na Di
5. Sarika Waterfall
6. Krok E-Dok Waterfall, Saraburi

Four districts hit by flooding

Prachin Buri Gov. Weeraphan Dee-on held an emergency meeting with Krit Kasampan, chairman of the Prachinburi Provincial Administrative Organization, to establish an emergency command center to monitor the flood situation.

The immediate priorities are protecting residents, evacuating vulnerable people, establishing shelters, and providing food and public health assistance.

Deputy provincial governor Chanathip Khokmani, together with local authorities, also distributed relief packages and visited flood-affected residents at the 100-Year Old Market community in Kabin Buri Municipality.

Officials also inspected temporary shelters at Wat Wang Dinso and Wat Wang Tha Chang.

Kabin Buri flooded across all 14 subdistricts

Kabin Buri district chief Thammarat Ngamsaeng said flooding had spread across all 14 subdistricts.

A large volume of water from Wang Tha Chang subdistrict flowed into Wang Takhian, Bo Thong and Yan Ri before reaching the 100-Year Old Market community, a lower-lying area that serves as a water catchment zone.

Water overflowed the riverbanks to depths of 1.56 to 1.70 meters, with some areas submerged above head height. More than 120 families were affected.

Although water levels in Wang Tha Chang have begun to fall, around 130-140 families remain at temporary shelters at Wat Wang Dinso and Wat Wang Tha Chang because their homes remain covered in mud and are not yet suitable for habitation.

Highway 359 is now passable, although motorists are being warned about standing water near the Sukaphum Bridge.

Si Maha Phot flooded across all 10 subdistricts

Si Maha Phot district chief Juthamat Buaphuean said flooding had affected all 10 subdistricts.

The hardest-hit areas include housing developments and industrial zones in Tha Tum subdistrict, which had not previously experienced flooding on this scale. Residents had little time to move their belongings to safety.

Water levels ranged from knee-deep to more than 1 meter in some areas.

The inner road through Talat Khlong Lang and Highway 304 near Nong Kha Bridge were also flooded, making them impassable for small vehicles.

The district has opened its meeting hall as a dedicated shelter for bedridden patients.

Provincial officials and local administrators inspected flooded communities in Tha Tum on 26 September and later visited the provincial flood relief shelter at Wat Wang Tha Chang and the shelter at Wat Wang Dinso in Kabin Buri.

Private sector joins relief efforts

Amid the flooding, private-sector groups have also stepped in to help residents.

Nattaphong Chai Thiamwong, a local businessman, worked with Ruam Katanyu Foundation rescue workers to deliver 150 relief packages by boat.

The team also distributed 500 baht in cash per family, traveling through deep floodwater to reach residents in Ban Thap Yuan and Ban Wang Thalu, including delivering aid directly to people’s homes.

Prachantakham faces worst flooding in decades

Prachantakham district chief Sgt. Maj. Pairat Inpanya described the situation as particularly critical, saying the district — known for having more waterfalls than any other district in Thailand — was facing its worst flooding in 30 to 40 years.

Floodwater from Khao Yai has inundated four main subdistricts: Pho Ngam, Kham Kaew, Bu Fai and Tanot.

In Village 3 of Bu Fai subdistrict, fast-moving floodwater swept through homes across an entire community. In previous floods, only around eight households had been affected, but this time every house in the area was submerged, according to officials.

Water levels upstream remain high and currents are still strong. Authorities expect a large volume of water to reach Prachantakham district center on 27 September.

Officials and emergency teams are maintaining a 24-hour presence in affected areas to assist residents and respond to the continuing flood threat.