The Prime Minister sends support from Australia, ordering urgent integrated assistance for the Nan floods, with the area declared a disaster zone. He stresses proper management of shelters and quality food, firmly rejecting a repeat of the Hat Yai situation. Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanan is set to take command on site.
On 19 August 2026, following continuous heavy rains in Nan province that led the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to issue an emergency Cell Broadcast warning about flooding in Pua district, Nan province, reporters in Canberra, Australia, reported at 12:55 local time (3 hours ahead of Thailand). Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul who is currently on official duty in Australia, gave an interview regarding the situation. He said he has received reports from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and has ordered all government rescue teams to fully engage in the relief efforts.
He also assigned the Deputy Prime Ministers responsible for each region to closely oversee the situation. For the northern region, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yotsanan Wongsawat is in charge. Teams have already been dispatched, and he himself is preparing to travel to the area to command operations.
Anutin added that the work will proceed through integrated command. Yotsanan can issue orders immediately on behalf of the Cabinet to ensure unified action from all agencies in flood relief. Meanwhile, the Governor of Nan province, currently on official travel outside the area, is hurrying back to lead the response in the province.
Regarding aid efforts, the Prime Minister disclosed that he spoke with the Deputy Governor of Nan province and learned that Nan has been declared a disaster area, enabling immediate assistance and budget disbursement on site without waiting for central approval. A shelter center has been established, and he emphasized thorough care for residents, covering food, clothing, and medicine.
“I especially emphasized the quality of food. I said we will not accept a repeat of the Hat Yai incident, where boxed meals were filled with rice but contained only two small chicken wings. That is unacceptable.”
At the end, the Prime Minister said, “I send my support from Australia to all people of Nan province. Currently, the military and all sectors are mobilizing full efforts to assist.” He added that relief will follow official regulations: if flooding persists for three days, compensation will be paid to affected families. For damaged homes, the government will provide budgets for individual repairs, ensuring the situation can be controlled.
