Heavy rains and flooding in southern Thailand caused a Buddhist temple to collapse on December 16. Local authorities reported that the structure, which served as a home for monks, fell into a nearby ravine after its foundations were weakened by persistent downpours and flash floods. No casualties were reported as monks had evacuated the building moments before the collapse.
Video footage from the scene showed the building of Wat Pa Rien, a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, giving way due to soil erosion. The video first shows the building sagging in the middle, 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 entrance and an external staircase. According to temple officials, the monks noticed movement in the structure and decided to leave immediately.
The incident came amid severe flooding in the area. Islands in the nearby Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, were also hit by the torrential weather. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings ahead of the storms, saying a low pressure system moving from southern Thailand and Malaysia into the Andaman Sea would bring heavy rain and strong winds from December 13 to 15.
The TMD warned that waves in the Gulf of Thailand could reach 2 to 3 meters in height and exceed three meters in storms. This poses a risk to maritime activities as well as communities living along the coastline. Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said at least 128 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 than central and northern regions. The current weather conditions have prompted local authorities to step up emergency measures. Rescue workers and community volunteers have been dispatched to help in affected areas, providing household assistance and ensuring 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 increased pressure on religious, educational and residential infrastructure, much of which was not designed to withstand prolonged flooding.
In Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country where about 95% of the population identifies with the religion, temples serve as community centers. These institutions provide spiritual guidance, cultural preservation, and social support. The loss of part of a temple's hosting area can disrupt community activities and religious events, especially during major festivals.
The government and local Buddhist sanghas have begun assessing the damage and considering reconstruction plans. For now, residents are advised to remain cautious, as flooded areas can hide dangerous objects under water or mud.
As the rainy season continues, authorities remain on alert, monitoring weather conditions and encouraging residents to stay informed of updates. With the support of the wider community and careful planning, it is hoped that the temple and the region will recover and build resilience against future natural challenges.
See more
Buddhist temple collapses in southern Thailand floods (MSN)
Floods continue in 5 southern provinces (Bangkok Post)
Floods in southern Thailand cause Buddhist temple to collapse (Yahoo! News)
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Buddhist temple building in southern Thailand collapses after heavy rains, floods appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
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