Deputy Interior Minister Je Set is monitoring the water situation in Nan city, expecting water levels to drop while remaining alert for heavy rain in Tha Wang Pha and Pua districts. This morning, he took a helicopter to survey from above before meeting the Defense Minister to expedite recovery plans after the flood.
On 20 August 2026 at 01:20, Deputy Interior Minister Je Set Tai Set, accompanied by Theerapat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM); Chainarong Wongyai, Governor of Nan Province; Muangjai Wongyai, Chairwoman of the Nan Provincial Red Cross and Head of the Ministry of Interior’s Housewives Association; and Nakorn Silachai, known as Ple Nakorn, visited the water level monitoring station N1 in Nan Municipality to assess the flooding.
The Deputy Interior Minister stated that the current water level at the flood barrier is 8.5 meters, below the predicted 9.10 meters. He ordered the Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning to urgently repair damaged flood barriers, aiming to improve their effectiveness long-term to prevent recurring annual flooding problems for Nan residents.
The Nan Governor noted that water levels are expected to decrease. However, in Phu Phiang District, which lies lower than Nan city, rapid flood flows are moving through to Nong Nam Khrok and public canals. This pattern is expected to continue overnight. Water levels should begin falling by morning, allowing damage assessments and food preparations to begin. Local administrative organizations are preparing 1,000 meal boxes per meal, three times daily, to distribute to residents who currently face cooking difficulties. Vulnerable citizens have been safely evacuated to the main shelter at Nan Municipality. The governor reminded the public of the 24-hour War Room hotline at 054716174 for assistance.
Water monitoring at Pua District indicates decreasing levels, as does the Yao River, which feeds into the Nan River before reaching Nan city. Authorities remain vigilant for heavy rain in Tha Wang Pha and Pua districts, where repeated rainfall has occurred. Water flow will reach Wiang Sa District about six hours after passing Nan city; Wiang Sa is already experiencing riverbank overflow of about one meter, as it is the final catchment point for the Nan, Wa, and Sa rivers combined.
The DDPM Director-General said that cleanup operations will begin tomorrow morning, deploying water trucks, excavators, and sweepers to clean homes and roads. The cleanup is expected to take two days, after which initial compensation payments will be distributed immediately using funds already allocated to the province. The first compensation covers bedding, blankets, and kitchenware. Affected residents should report to their village headman or local administrative organization to provide simple information for processing. A second compensation phase will assess damages to housing and agricultural crops.
Ple Nakorn praised the provincial governor and local administrations for excellent coordination this year, saying he feels more at ease than before. He anticipates the situation will not be more difficult than in other areas but acknowledges that if flooding arrives around 2 a.m. as expected, they must accept it. He is currently monitoring how much additional water will flow from Pua; if it arrives gently, water levels are nearly at the brim, just one span away from overflowing.
He urged volunteers and foundations entering the area to prioritize safety and rest adequately. "Everyone has the spirit to help those in need. Please eat well and sleep well. Teams unsure of their deployment should register at the provincial DDPM office for proper assignment—north, south, or other areas—to avoid confusion or hazards. Reporting to DDPM ensures better guidance and more effective assistance to the community."
After the field visit, Deputy Minister Je Set, the DDPM Director-General, the Nan Governor, and their team continued to assess and monitor the situation at Nan Municipality’s War Room. They held ongoing meetings to update information from related agencies including irrigation, DDPM, local governments, foundations, and volunteers. The teams are working around the clock to support Nan residents.
Later this morning, Deputy Minister Je Set took a helicopter to survey the flood situation from above, tracking water levels and assessing affected areas. He then traveled to Pua District to encourage residents and closely monitor relief efforts. He instructed relevant agencies to prepare for the post-flood period, especially the water supply system, emphasizing urgent inspection of water treatment plants, pumping stations, and distribution systems. Staff and equipment must be ready to restore clean water service immediately once conditions allow, as water supply is essential when residents return home.
Currently, Deputy Minister Je Set is en route to Beng Sakad Temple in Pua District, Nan Province, to meet with Defense Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Dul Boonthamcharoen. They will discuss coordinated responses to the flood crisis, including military personnel, equipment, and resources to ensure swift and comprehensive relief and recovery efforts. "The water has not yet receded, so the mission is not finished. Once it does, we must be ready to restore services immediately," he said, highlighting the priority to help residents resume safe daily life as quickly as possible.