Thai authorities mobilize to safeguard Ayutthaya temples amid river flooding

AYUTTHAYA — Thai authorities have deployed monks and military troops to protect temples in Ayutthaya as swelling waters from the Chao Phraya River pose an increasing threat to the historic city's cultural heritage sites.

The coordinated response reflects concerns about potential damage to structures dating back centuries in the former royal capital, located roughly 80 kilometres north of Bangkok. Religious institutions and military units have implemented precautionary measures to mitigate flood impacts on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Notably, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and other major temples have maintained operations and continued welcoming both domestic and international visitors despite the rising water levels. The decision to keep major religious sites open underscores confidence in the protective measures being undertaken by monks and authorities.

The mobilization represents a broader effort to balance flood risk management with preservation of Ayutthaya's iconic religious structures and tourism sector. Authorities have not indicated plans for temple closures at this stage, though monitoring of water levels remains ongoing.

The Chao Phraya River's seasonal flooding patterns are common in Thailand's central plains, but coordinated responses such as this one aim to minimize damage to historically significant sites that attract visitors from across the region.