Yotsanan and his team remained overnight in Nan to command flood operations, emphasizing six urgent measures. They ordered rapid evacuation from high-risk areas, set up kitchens, accelerated relief payments, and initiated 24-hour restoration efforts.
On 19 Aug 2026 at approximately 15:00, Professor Dr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister,and Ministerof the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) arrived in Nan province. He visited the Command Center for Prevention and Resolution of Floods, Storms, Flash Floods, and Landslides in Nan, together with Je-sate Thai-sate, Deputy Minister of Interior, the provincial governor, and Nan Provincial Administrative Organization to coordinate command and provide assistance to flood victims in Nan and nearby areas.
Professor Dr. Yotsanan, as chairman of the Northern Region Flood and Drought Prevention and Resolution Committee, issued urgent orders to the governors of Nan, Phayao, and Lamphun provinces to respond effectively to flash floods. He set out eight comprehensive operational measures covering precise advance warnings via the Cell Broadcast system, 24-hour standby of personnel and machinery ready for evacuation and supply delivery, establishment of command and shelter centers prioritizing vulnerable groups, and collaboration with MHESI agencies on the ground to assist relocation, cleaning, and immediate compensation disbursement after waters recede. These measures aim for coordinated, practical action to quickly alleviate public distress.
He then immediately visited Pu district, one of the hardest-hit areas in Nan. He inspected three sites in Pu: first, the area in front of the PTT gas station where the road was washed away by strong currents; second, the evacuation center at Wat Prang, where displaced residents were sheltering and awaiting government and volunteer support; he ordered water trucks to wash away mud flooding homes and to prepare repair and restoration plans to commence as soon as conditions normalize. He also distributed survival kits to assist local residents in the Prang community. Additionally, he expressed concern, urging residents to closely monitor water level warnings and reiterated that if further rain occurs tonight, immediate evacuation to safe areas is essential.
He then proceeded to the third site at the forward command center at Pu district office to meet with related agencies. The Deputy Prime Minister issued urgent directives to assist Nan flood victims, detailed as follows.
1. Early warning system: Relevant agencies must prepare to notify residents at least six hours in advance via the Cell Broadcast system before severe conditions occur, allowing timely preparation and evacuation for those in risk areas.
2. Accelerate assistance and evacuation: He emphasized that the highest priority is “to save every life.”."Agencies were ordered to swiftly help stranded victims inside homes and expedite evacuation from hazardous areas as quickly as possible.
3. Provide food and drinking water for flood victims.He orderedthe establishment of kitchens at all evacuation points across the affected area. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) set up a royal kitchen preparing 2,000 meal and water sets, while Nan Provincial Administrative Organization prepared another 2,000 sets to alleviate the suffering of local people.
4. Monitor water levels continuously 24 hours a day: Relevant agencies must track and watch water levels at key points nonstop to assess the situation and promptly alert residents if levels rise.
5. Compensation for victims: He ordered the rapid disbursement of compensation to victims and families of the deceased.
6. Prepare heavy machinery for area restoration: He ordered readiness of large equipment such as water trucks and loaders to wash and clean affected homes and areas, as well as heavy machinery to clear roads blocked by mud and debris, to reopen routes and support further assistance if needed.
Tonight, the most concerning areas are Tha Wang Pha and Phu Phiang districts, where warnings and evacuations are ongoing. The Deputy Prime Minister will remain in command throughout the night. In Mueang district, sandbags are being placed to seal gaps and reinforce vulnerable points.For example, at hospitals,defense has been strengthened, and backup generators prepared to supply electricity to hospitals for at least three days.
Professor Dr. Yotsanan also stressed that all relevant agencies must expedite assistance to those still affected, continuously monitor the situation and potential new hazards 24/7, and prepare restoration plans in advance to enable rapid rehabilitation and relief immediately after the crisis eases. His team will stay overnight in Nan to closely command and resolve the situation on site.
