Nonthaburi: Koh Kret is currently facing severe flooding, with significant damage reported to the area’s sacred Bodhi trees and statues. The ongoing floodwaters have inundated the region, affecting both locals and visitors who frequent the area for its revered religious sites. The Pathum Thani-Sam Khok Road has also been submerged, complicating travel for residents in the central region.
According to Thai News Agency, the situation at Wat Sao Thong Thong in Nonthaburi province is particularly concerning. Sacred objects, including the Kuman Thong and Buddha statues, are partially submerged as the water level remains high. The large Bodhi trees, housing the famous Kuman Thong revered by locals and tourists, are nearly completely underwater. Despite the challenging conditions, locals continue to visit the temple to pay respects and make merit, even as the risk of complete submersion looms.
Aunt Eed, a village health volunteer at Koh Kret, expressed grave concerns over the situation. She highlighted that the water inside the temple has reached neck level, threatening the Bodhi trees and the sacred objects they guard. Reflecting on past floods in 2011, she recounted how sacred objects and shrines were swept away, emphasizing the urgency of the current situation.
In Pathum Thani Province, the flooding along the Pathum Thani-Sam Khok Road continues to disrupt daily life. Residents have resorted to innovative measures, using foam to transport goods for sale, as the flooding persists for months. Monks and locals are collaborating to build sandbag barriers to mitigate the floodwaters, which have risen sharply in recent days, forcing residents to seek alternative routes and temporary accommodations.
Meanwhile, in Sukhothai, the floodwaters have stabilized in many areas, though challenges remain. The Mae Mok Reservoir continues to overflow, impacting Sukhothai Hospital and making access difficult for patients. Efforts are underway to expedite drainage and alleviate the situation. Wat Phlai Chumphon is experiencing significant flooding, impeding transportation for monks and novices attending scripture examinations, while certain roads remain impassable for small vehicles.