Thai villages flooded as Bangkok is protected

Villages north of Bangkok are being deliberately flooded as Thai authorities try to protect the capital, historic Ayutthaya and industrial zones along the Chao Phraya River.

In parts of Ayutthaya province, residents say flood levels that once reached their knees now rise above their heads in some areas and can take months to recede. Some homes have been abandoned, while others have been lifted higher at costs residents estimate at between 100,000 and one million baht.

Thailand floods every year during the monsoon season. After devastating floods in 2011, the government expanded embankments, water gates and other infrastructure to direct water away from Bangkok and major economic areas.

Thai irrigation department spokesman Thanet Somboon said climate change, low-lying geography and new embankments that changed the Chao Phraya's natural flow have contributed to more severe flooding in downstream communities. He said authorities had no choice but to discharge remaining water downstream after irrigation channels filled with diverted water.

Environmental conservationist Sasin Chalermlarp said flood management in the central plains had been effective but cruel to communities bearing the impact. He has proposed a tax on people who benefit from flood defences to help affected families raise homes and repair damage.

The government's main planned fix is a $780 million flood diversion canal intended to carry water around a bottleneck near Ayutthaya. It is expected to be completed by 2030.