A narrow wooden walkway stretching above the floodwaters has become the main route for the family of “Nano,” a primary school boy living in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. When overflowing water inundated the community once again, their home was transformed into a place where daily life must adapt to living with water.
For many people, floods may be something they only see on the news. For Nano’s family, however, flooding is a recurring reality. They must cope with difficult transportation, the threat of venomous animals, shortages of essential supplies, and the uncertainty that comes with rapidly rising water levels.
When Home Becomes Surrounded by Water
“Flooding happens every year,”
Nano, a Grade 4 student. He pointed to the wooden walkway that he and his grandmother had built to move around the house during flood season.
As water levels rise, the area surrounding the house turns into a vast expanse of water. The family relies on temporary wooden bridges connecting different parts of the property, while boats become one of the few available means of travel in and out of the community.
“It’s difficult to get around. If I need to go anywhere outside, I have to take a boat,” Nano explained.
Shops and markets selling food and essential goods are located several kilometers away. Whenever supplies are needed, Nano’s grandmother and the children must first travel by boat out of the community before continuing by vehicle to the district market.
Despite being young, Nano always tries to help his family whenever the floods arrive.
“The water rose very quickly. I helped my grandmother move our belongings to higher ground because I was afraid they would be damaged by the flood.”
His simple words reflect a sense of responsibility beyond his years and an understanding of the challenges his family faces every year.
Risks That Come with Floodwaters
Flooding affects more than transportation and daily life. It also brings health and safety risks, particularly from venomous animals seeking refuge inside homes.
Recently, Nano’s grandmother discovered a snake hiding inside a pair of shoes in the house, causing alarm among family members.
“I was scared,” Nano admitted immediately when asked how he felt after learning that a snake had entered their home.
In addition to snakes, insects and other animals are often carried in with the floodwaters. Waterborne illnesses also become a concern, making constant vigilance necessary, especially for children and older people.
This Year, the Flood Came Earlier Than Expected
For Grandmother Tuang, the family’s primary caregiver, this year has been different from previous years.
“The flood came early this year. We didn’t have enough time to move our belongings.”
Although the family lives in an area regularly affected by floods, this time the water rose dramatically within just a few days, leaving many households with little time to prepare. Initial information suggested that flood levels would not be severe, so residents had not rushed to move their possessions to higher ground before the water surged into the community.
“Last year, the water was actually higher, but it rose gradually, giving us time to prepare. This year it came up very quickly.”
Inside the house, Grandmother Tuang hurried to move electrical appliances, bedding, and essential belongings above the waterline in order to protect the family’s possessions and create a temporary living space.
A Grandmother’s Concerns
Beyond property damage, Grandmother Tuang worries most about the safety of her grandchildren.
“We have to be careful all the time, with the water, snakes, and other dangerous animals.”
She recalled finding a cobra on a bed in the past and recently spotting another snake somewhere on the property that has yet to be caught. As a result, the family must remain constantly cautious.
For an elderly caregiver responsible for several children, exhaustion comes not only from dealing with floodwaters but also from the constant concern for the children’s safety.
“It’s not just the work that makes me tired. I’m tired because I have to keep watching over the children all the time.”
Assistance That Helps Families Through the Crisis
In response to widespread flooding affecting several areas, including Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, World Vision Foundation of Thailand (WVFT) implemented the Thailand Flood Response Project 2026 to provide emergency assistance to affected households.
Between 30 September and 19 October 2026, WVFT responded to flooding in Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Bangkok, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The organization distributed essential relief items including ready-to-eat meals, rice, drinking water, canned food, seasonings, instant noodles, UHT milk, snacks for children, baby diapers, adult diapers, sanitary pads, garbage bags, and flashlights to help ease the burden on affected families.
During this response period, WVFT provided assistance to 3,109 people, including 1,102 children and 13 persons with disabilities.
The response combined support from private-sector partners with close coordination among government agencies, community leaders, and local networks to assess and meet the urgent needs of affected households.
WVFT continues to closely monitor the situation and assess post-flood recovery needs, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, including children, older people, and severely affected households. The aim is to support families in recovering safely, maintaining their dignity, and strengthening their resilience against future disasters.
Small Encouragement Amid the Crisis
Although floodwaters have yet to fully recede and many families are still waiting for conditions to improve, support from various sectors has given communities hope and reassurance that they are not facing the crisis alone.
After receiving a relief package from WVFT, Grandmother Tuang expressed her appreciation:
“Thank you very much for helping us. I’m deeply touched and don’t know what to say. I wish you happiness and prosperity, and please take care of your health as well.”
The story of Grandmother Tuang and Nano reminds us that behind every statistic on flood-affected households are real people struggling through daily hardships. Children continue to grow up amid challenges, older people remain the pillars of their families, and communities strive to stand strong while the waters remain high.
As they wait for life to return to normal, today’s assistance represents more than essential supplies. It is also a source of encouragement and hope, helping families and communities navigate difficult times together and move forward with resilience.
