"Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom" (referring to the local stretch of the river)., has reached the highest level of the year at 12 meters, marking a critical warning point, with flooding already affecting some agricultural areas and homes.
On 13 August 2026, reporters reported that in Nakhon Phanom province, the Mekong River level has reached a critical point, peaking at 12 meters, a warning level due to its impact on the main tributaries flowing slowly into the Mekong. Some low-lying districts are experiencing riverbank overflows. Similarly, in Ban Phaeng district, the Mekong has started overflowing, flooding over 1,000 rai of farmland and affecting more than 30 riverside homes.
Additionally, areas along main tributaries like the Un and Songkhram Rivers are affected by Mekong backflow, with volumes exceeding about 50 percent of capacity. This impacts agricultural lands in Na Wa, Si Songkhram, and Tha Uthen districts, as these are confluence areas where the Un River joins the Songkhram River before flowing into the Mekong. This has caused flooding of more than 20,000 rai of farmland, with expectations that the impact will widen if heavy rain continues.
For Mueang district and Nakhon Phanom municipality, preparations include installing additional water pumps to drain water into the Mekong. Since the Mekong at 12 meters reaches the warning level, water cannot flow naturally from the city into the river. Therefore, pumping systems are used to divert and drain water, and drainage channels are sealed to prevent backflow. Fortunately, rain ceased two days ago.
Continuous monitoring remains in place. The flooding has not yet affected the tourism economy, only the low-lying areas that flood repeatedly each year. Nakhon Phanom municipality confirmed that the flood protection dikes in the city area can hold Mekong water levels up to 15 meters, making it difficult for water to flood the city. Authorities are also ready to manage water drainage if heavy rain persists for several days.