‘Cruel but effective’: Thai flood strategy leaves Ayutthaya submerged to protect Bangkok

Rural Thai communities near Bangkok are bearing the brunt of the city's flood defences, as authorities deliberately flood villages to protect the capital, according to a recent report. Residents in Kamonchanok Sathaphonamonwut's village in Ayutthaya province have been dealing with the consequences of repeated flooding for years.

Her family, residing in a stilt house more than three meters above the ground, has struggled with waterlogged living conditions and limited access to basic amenities. The government has prioritized protecting Bangkok and other business hubs from floods, largely through expanded embankments, water gates, and other infrastructure projects.

However, this focus has left other areas without adequate support. Kamonchanok, a 34-year-old office worker, now commutes by boat and must hoist her household belongings above the waterline. After devastating floods in 2011, Thai authorities expanded flood defenses, but residents argue that their sacrifices have gone unrecognized.

Sasin Chalermlarp, an environmental conservationist, acknowledges the government's efforts but criticizes the "cruel" impact on those living in flood-prone areas. The government proposes a US$780-million flood diversion canal, expected to be completed by 2030, to alleviate the issue. Until then, affected villagers like Kamonchanok are calling for a cap on water levels and financial assistance to help them adapt and maintain their homes.