Pol.Peer, Deputy Minister of Interior (MoI 2), is monitoring the flooding in Nan Province, accelerating restoration of electricity, drinking water, and communications. He has ordered the early evacuation of vulnerable groups along waterways, emphasizing that public safety is paramount, and is pushing for a detailed investigation following reports of one death found.
At 16:00 on 19 August 2026 GMT+7, Pol.Peer Suwanchawee, Deputy Minister of Interior (MoI 2), acting as Minister of Interior, held a meeting to monitor the northern flood situation and manage the emergency disaster relief zones for flash floods in Pua District, Nan Province. Attendees included Mr. Sarut Wongsakulwiwat, Acting Advisor on Governance; Ms. Chatchadaporn Boonpiranat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM); DDPM executives; and heads of provincial DDPM offices in the north. The meeting took place in the DDPM meeting room on the 4th floor and via electronic systems.
Pol.Peer revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, along with Deputy Minister of Interior Mr. Jeset Thaiseset and the Cabinet, are en route by air to the area to support joint management efforts with provincial authorities. He personally traveled to monitor the situation and encourage all personnel at DDPM and northern provinces to manage the situation to ensure maximum safety for the public.
. The flooding in Nan Province affects four districts, 21 subdistricts, and 72 villages, with one reported death currently being investigated. The situation in Pua District is returning to normal, allowing residents to leave evacuation centers as floodwaters flow toward Tha Wang Pha and Phu Phiang Districts, expected to reach Mueang Nan District within five hours. The Nan Municipality has issued warnings for residents to move belongings to higher ground, with locals well prepared. The floodwaters from Nan are flowing directly toward Sirikit Dam, and with rain clouds starting to dissipate, concerns about wider impact on other provinces are easing.
Regarding public safety, the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, has ordered local administrative and health agencies to promptly evacuate vulnerable groups, especially bedridden patients and the elderly living along flood routes, to shelters in advance without waiting for floodwaters to arrive. This is to prevent dangers and difficulties that could arise if flood levels rise.
Due to flooding causing high-voltage power poles to fall, over 27,000 people have lost electricity. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is restoring the system and deploying backup generators, prioritizing power supply to hospitals and evacuation centers first. For drinking water, food, and essential supplies, Nan Province, the Nan Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), and partner networks are assisting affected people. The Ministry of Interior, through the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA), is providing bottled drinking water and water production vehicles from DDPM in sufficient quantities. Additionally, DDPM has coordinated with mobile network providers True, AIS, and NT via the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to ensure uninterrupted communication at evacuation centers and within affected areas. Machinery is also prepared for immediate recovery after floodwaters recede.
Beyond northern assistance, DDPM is closely monitoring water levels in the Northeast, where heavy rain is forecast until 21 August. Upper northeastern areas bordering the Mekong River have been warned as at-risk. However, Mekong water levels have started to recede, facilitating faster natural drainage if flash floods occur.