The Minister of Agriculture visited the area to monitor the situation and ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to mobilize water pumps, water trucks, and machinery to expedite water drainage, mud cleaning, area restoration, and route clearance, while immediately surveying agricultural damage.
On 20 Aug 2026, Suriyas Junrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with his team, visited Nan Province to monitor flood conditions and water management following continuous heavy rain that caused flash floods and river overflows in several areas. Witthaya Kaewmee, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, Nopadol Noipairoj, Director of the Royal Irrigation Office 2, and related officials reported on the situation.
Suriyas stated that Pua District was severely affected. Although water levels are gradually receding, many areas remain covered with mud from the floods. He ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to deploy 26 water trucks along with machinery to assist in cleaning, restoring the area, and clearing routes so residents can resume travel promptly. Simultaneously, the department mobilized water pumps to accelerate drainage from waterlogged areas.
The site inspection found that flood mud covered many spots, including flowing into villagers' ponds. Priority was given to washing away mud and restoring the area. Suriyas and his team visited Wat Ban Pong, Village No. 2, Chedi Chai Subdistrict, Pua District, to meet affected residents and distributed 100 relief bags to provide initial assistance.
He also instructed relevant agencies to immediately survey the damage to implement aid according to official regulations promptly, aiming to alleviate hardships experienced by farmers affected by the floods.
Witthaya said the Royal Irrigation Department had mobilized water pumps to accelerate pumping and drainage from flood zones. Officials closely monitor water levels and continuously update the public to reduce damage to homes, farmland, economic areas, and property. Phu Phiang District was also affected by flooding, prompting the Ministry of Interior to request food support. Suriyas ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to set up kitchens to prepare meals for residents as coordinated with the province.
The peak water volume passed through Nan city last night. Water in the Nan River is flowing toward Wiang Sa District before entering Sirikit Reservoir, which currently holds about 65% of its capacity and still has roughly 35% available for additional water storage.
Although the peak water volume has passed Nan city, the municipal district must remain under close watch as it is a key community and economic zone. In the afternoon, Suriyas planned to visit Water Measurement Station N.1 to monitor Nan River water levels and water management for downstream areas.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain in northern Thailand until 21 Aug 2026, with rainfall expected to decrease thereafter. Authorities must monitor accumulated rainfall and water conditions closely. Suriyas emphasized that officials should continuously inform and alert the public to ensure that vulnerable areas are prepared for possible changing conditions.