Heavy rainfall and flooding in southern Thailand led to the collapse of a Buddhist temple building on 16 December. The local authorities reported that the structure, which served as living quarters for monks, fell into a nearby ravine after its foundations were weakened by persistent downpours and flash floods. No casualties were reported as the monks had evacuated the building moments before the collapse.
Video footage from the scene showed the building at Wat Pa Rien, a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, giving way as the ground beneath it eroded. The video shows the building sagging at the middle at first, with windows twisted and some siding bowed outward. Soon, the entire building appears to slide as much of the foundation is consumed by floodwaters. The entire building then falls into the deep waters, leaving behind only an entryway and an exterior staircase. According to temple representatives, the monks had noticed movement in the structure and decided to leave immediately.
This incident occurred amid severe flooding across the region. Islands in the nearby Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui, were also affected by the torrential weather. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings ahead of the storms, announcing that a low-pressure system moving from southern Thailand and Malaysia toward the Andaman Sea would bring heavy rainfall and strong winds from 13–15 December.
The TMD warned that waves in the Gulf of Thailand could reach 2–3 meters in height, and may exceed three meters during thunderstorms. This presents a risk for maritime activities as well as for communities living along the coast. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that at least 128,000 families had been affected and at least eight deaths had been confirmed in the region.
Southern Thailand typically experiences its monsoon season later in the year compared with central and northern regions. The ongoing weather patterns have prompted the local authorities to strengthen emergency measures. Rescue workers and community volunteers were dispatched to assist in affected areas, providing aid to households and to ensure safe evacuation routes.
While Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of the country’s southernmost provinces, is accustomed to heavy seasonal rains, the increasing intensity of storms in recent years has raised concerns about climate variability and infrastructure resilience. Local community leaders have noted that these conditions have added pressure on religious, educational, and residential infrastructure, much of which was not designed to withstand prolonged inundation.
In Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country where around 95 per cent of the population identifies with the religion, temples serve as community hubs. These institutions provide spiritual guidance, cultural preservation, and social support. The loss of a section of a temple’s lodging area can disrupt community activities and religious events, especially during significant festivals.
The government and local Buddhist sanghas have begun to assess the damage and consider reconstruction plans. For now, residents have been advised to remain cautious, as flooded areas may hide dangerous objects under water or mud.
As the rainy season continues, officials remain on alert, monitoring weather conditions and encouraging residents to stay informed of updates. With support from the broader community and careful planning, it is hoped that the temple and the region will recover and strengthen their resilience in the face of future natural challenges.
See more
Buddhist temple collapses during floods in southern Thailand (MSN)
Flooding continues in 5 southern provinces (Bangkok Post)
Floods in southern Thailand cause Buddhist temple to collapse (Yahoo! News)
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