Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, October 1, 2026
Photo: reuters.com
The Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand is mobilizing to help victims of severe flooding in Ratchaburi Province, where a state of emergency has been declared and residents have been ordered to evacuate.
In a directive, Archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), secretary of the Diocese of Thailand, and Archpriest Daniel Ronnakorn Wanna, chairman of the Orthodox Christian Church in Thailand Foundation, order that displaced residents be given temporary lodging in the residential facilities at the Holy Dormition Monastery, the diocese reports.
If the need becomes urgent, the monastery church may shelter evacuees as well. Hot meals, drinking water and other essentials are to be prepared and distributed.
The directive also tells church representatives to assist local authorities and emergency services with evacuation and relief work. It calls on clergy, staff, parishioners and volunteers to take part according to their abilities, “showing Christian compassion and prudence.”
Archimandrite Oleg and Fr. Daniel pray for the health of rescue workers, volunteers and flood victims, and ask that the Lord “strengthen all in overcoming this difficult trial safely and successfully.”
The flooding follows a surge on the Mae Klong River. Thailand's disaster prevention department ordered residents in seven Ratchaburi districts to leave their homes immediately on September 29, as releases from the Mae Klong Dam rose to about 70,600 cubic feet per second and could reach about 105,900. Flooding has affected more than 2.6 million people across Thailand.
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