Yotsanan took direct action during the midnight flooding in Nan, commanding the response to the water mass by setting up a Single Command to monitor the situation 24 hours a day. He instructed preparations for the Wiang Sa area and stressed the need to continuously learn and improve responses to maintain public confidence in the authorities.
At approximately 23:30 on 19 August 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yotsanan Wongsawat, accompanied by his team, closely monitored the flood situation near the market area within Nan municipality amid rapidly rising water levels and a precautionary power outage in the area for safety.
He then inspected three critical risk points, starting at water gauge station N.1 to assess the water mass situation, before proceeding to Kad Sri Kham market where he stopped to speak with and encourage rescue workers monitoring the water levels. During this time, residents sent urgent messages about people trapped in homes, prompting rescue teams to quickly deploy assistance. The third stop was at the Nan municipal office, where Yotsanan encouraged officials from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and related agencies, stressing continuous support for residents, especially bedridden patients still trapped in their homes.
Based on the assessment, Yotsanan revealed that water levels in Nan municipality are expected to rise, potentially overflowing riverbanks by about 25 centimeters, likely peaking around 2:00 a.m. If no additional rain falls after that time, the urban flood situation should ease and transition into recovery efforts.
For managing relief efforts, a 24-hour War Room command center was established at the Nan Provincial Administrative Organization to coordinate work with rescue teams, volunteers, and groups including jet ski teams and the team of entertainer Ple Nakorn. Volunteers are required to register at the central center for efficient and safe deployment to areas needing assistance. The provincial disaster hotline number 054-716-174 was also provided for residents trapped or in urgent need of help, available around the clock.
Yotsanan concluded with the statement: “We must continually learn and improve our preparedness. This time, we have to do it well to maintain the trust of all citizens.” He added that after the flood situation in Nan town subsides, the water mass is expected to move to Wiang Sa district around 08:00-09:00 on 20 August, and he has already ordered preparations in advance to handle the situation there.
Major Patcharathorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that setting up the Single Command allows a joint command center in Nan to track information and issue orders continuously around the clock. It integrates data from various agencies to enable rapid warnings, evacuations, and allocation of personnel and equipment to high-risk areas. The mobilization of six ministries ensures comprehensive assistance including public safety, water management, care for vulnerable groups, agricultural and labor support, and post-flood recovery.
“The government will monitor the situation 24 hours a day, especially water levels in the Nan River and low-lying areas, while urgently warning residents in risk zones to follow instructions and evacuate to safety when alerted. At the same time, forces, equipment, and recovery measures are prepared in advance to promptly assess damage, provide relief, and restore homes, livelihoods, and daily life as soon as conditions improve.”
He further noted that on 19 August 2026, Yotsanan, as incident commander, along with Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Deputy Interior Minister Jesad Thaiyaset, visited water gauge station N.1 in Nan city and set up a unified command center to allow all agencies to share data and coordinate orders. This enables rapid deployment of resources to high-risk areas, especially at night when travel and rescue are more difficult. The establishment of a 24-hour Single Command represents a significant advancement in local flood response.
Ministry of Higher Education Enhances Early Warning Using Satellites to Monitor Risk Areas
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, led by Professor Dr. Yotsanan, ordered front-line teams and all affiliated units to prepare for floods in northern provinces Nan, Phayao, and Lamphun. Preparations cover surveillance and assessment, warnings, deployment of personnel and equipment, shelter readiness, care for vulnerable groups, and damage assessment and recovery after floods. The ministry emphasized integrating data from upstream areas and neighboring provinces to timely predict and warn, linking alerts via the Cell Broadcast system and through provincial, district, local administrative organizations, village chiefs, and community leaders to ensure residents receive actionable information promptly.
Meanwhile, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) was tasked with using satellite data to monitor water situations, analyze risk areas, and relay information to field agencies. Coordination occurs with the National Water Command Center, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and Department of Water Resources. GISTDA also promotes use of the “Check Nam” app to track conditions, check risk zones, and receive alerts. Additionally, personnel, boats, pumps, and equipment are pre-positioned at risk points, with KA-32 helicopters prepared for evacuation and relief delivery in hard-to-reach areas. Temporary shelters are stocked with food, drinking water, health services, kitchens, and essential supplies.
Ministry of Social Development Accelerates Care for Vulnerable Groups, Organizes Evacuations
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security coordinated with Nan provincial teams, local authorities, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to assist vulnerable populations—especially children, elderly, bedridden patients, and people with disabilities—to safely evacuate from risky areas. Shelters and necessary supplies were prepared for evacuees, with ongoing updates to vulnerable group data to allow the command center to prioritize urgent aid, especially for households unable to evacuate independently, and to ensure continuous support at shelters.
Deployment of Pumps and Machinery to Accelerate Drainage, Minimize Agricultural Damage
Agriculture Minister Suriya ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to deploy machinery, equipment, and pumps to assist flood-affected areas by expediting water drainage from communities and impacted zones. Water levels and situations are monitored continuously to reduce impacts on residents and economic zones still at risk. Agricultural aid includes relocating livestock and essential items from vulnerable areas to minimize losses to crops and property, and preparing supplies, medicines, and medical equipment to support affected communities and farmers promptly as situations evolve.
Ministry of Labor Supports Employees and Employers to Reduce Flood Impacts
The Ministry of Labor requested employers to allow workers unable to commute due to flooding to take leave without it counting as an absence, easing hardships for employees. Employers and businesses affected can apply for low-interest loans of up to 2 million baht via the Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Fund, at 2% annual interest with repayment up to five years, to repair and restore their operations.
Ministry of Education Prepares Schools as Relief Centers and Sends Technical Teams for Post-Flood Recovery
The Ministry of Education instructed schools in affected areas to prioritize the safety of students, teachers, and staff. School administrators can temporarily close schools as needed and prepare facilities as shelters or aid points if necessary. The Office of the Vocational Education Commission readied technical teams to deploy immediately after the flood subsides to inspect and repair homes, electrical appliances, vehicles, and livelihood equipment damaged by flooding. Additionally, the "Vocational Kitchen" program is prepared to provide food and drinking water to residents during recovery.