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Thailand is an agricultural country where rice cultivation plays a crucial role in the economy and livelihoods of its people. The two primary rice cultivation methods, transplanted rice fields and direct-seeded rice fields, differ in terms of water management and soil structure. This study aims to compare soil drainage and temperature between these two cultivation methods through field experiments measuring soil moisture and temperature over four weeks.The results indicate that transplanted rice fields exhibit superior water retention compared to direct-seeded rice fields in the long term. In the first week, soil moisture in transplanted rice fields reached 18.37%, whereas in direct-seeded fields, it was 8.98%. However, moisture levels in transplanted rice fields declined rapidly in the second week before stabilizing in the third and fourth weeks, remaining significantly higher than in direct-seeded fields. This finding suggests that transplanted rice fields are more effective at retaining soil moisture over time.Regarding soil temperature, direct-seeded rice fields consistently exhibited higher temperatures than transplanted fields throughout the study period. In the first week, soil temperature in transplanted rice fields was 23.67°C, while in direct-seeded fields, it was 25°C. The temperature increased progressively, reaching 24.33°C in transplanted rice fields and 27.33°C in direct-seeded fields by the fourth week. The key factors influencing these differences were soil moisture levels and water retention, with the presence of standing water in transplanted fields helping to lower soil temperature during early growth stages.This study highlights the advantages of transplanted rice fields in maintaining soil moisture and regulating soil temperature compared to direct-seeded fields. These findings provide valuable insights into selecting appropriate cultivation methods based on environmental conditions and water management strategies. Effective water management can enhance rice yield and promote sustainable agriculture in the long term.