Comparison of Direct Monetary Flood Damages in 2011 to Pillar House and Non-pillar House in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Pillar houses in Ayutthaya, Thailand, demonstrated significantly lower flood damage compared to non-pillar houses during the 2011 floods. This study highlights the adaptive design of traditional Thai architecture, which mitigates flood risks by elevating living spaces above water levels, thereby reducing economic losses. The research analyzed direct monetary damages across three housing types—pillar houses, two-storey houses, and one-storey houses—finding that pillar houses sustained minimal structural damage due to their elevated foundations, a feature tailored to Ayutthaya's flood-prone topography. The study also documented the 2011 flood characteristics, including peak rainfall in September-October, which caused river overflows and widespread flooding. By comparing damage data, it underscored the resilience of pillar houses as a cultural adaptation strategy for water-based settlements facing chronic seasonal flooding.

Mongkonkerd, S., Hirunsalee, S., Kanegae, H., & Denpaiboon, C. (2013). Comparison of Direct Monetary Flood Damages in 2011 to Pillar House and Non-pillar House in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 17, 327–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2013.02.045