RAYONG, Thailand — Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat has declared every subdistrict in Klaeng district a disaster area, along with Tapong subdistrict in Mueang Rayong, as six consecutive days of heavy rain have caused severe flooding. Floodwaters have inundated homes, commercial areas, major and secondary roads and village routes in Klaeng, with water levels reaching 1–1.5 metres in some areas.
The situation is particularly severe along Sukhumvit Road, where water has risen above 1 metre. Authorities have closed the section from Pho Thong intersection in Tha Kwean subdistrict to Chak Khun Wiset intersection in Kong Din subdistrict. Only trucks and high-clearance vehicles are currently able to pass.
Travellers between Rayong and Chanthaburi have been advised to use the coastal route alongside Prasae Sin Bridge in Pak Nam Prasae as an alternative. The disaster declaration allows local administrative organisations to use emergency funds to assist residents affected by the flooding.
The situation has been compounded by water releases from the Prasae and Khlong Laok reservoirs, which have reached their storage capacity. Each reservoir is releasing about 2 million cubic metres of water per day, for a combined discharge of around 4 million cubic metres daily. Officials said the additional water has contributed to rising flood levels in Klaeng. Heavy thunderstorms also returned to Rayong around 4 a.m. on September 27, affecting Tapong, Phe, Kachet and Samnak Thong. Floodwater inundated fruit orchards and left several bridges impassable.
In Ban Yai Chan, Moo 2, Samnak Thong, strong currents swept a vehicle carrying workers from the Map Ta Phut industrial estate into a drainage channel. A Chinese-owned passenger car was also caught in the flooding. Local residents helped recover both vehicles, and all occupants were reported safe.
Rain has continued in several parts of the province. The local weather station in Tapong expects rainfall to gradually ease, although further rain remains possible as the influence of a low-pressure system continues. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels, particularly in Klaeng, where flooding remains widespread and severe.
