Thanakorn supports the government in mobilizing all sectors to assist victims of flash floods and landslides in Nan province. He recommends urgent management of tributaries and water storage areas to resolve long-term problems, alongside planning measures for recovery and relief after floodwaters recede.
On 20 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, party-list MP of the Bhumjaithai Party and former Minister of Industry, commented on the government's declaration of disaster zones due to flash floods and landslides in Nan province, especially in Pua and Phu Phiang districts. He said that under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's leadership, the government has mobilized officials from over six ministries to establish a 24-hour Single Command center to monitor the situation and closely assess assistance measures for affected residents. This includes deploying military, police, disaster prevention, and rescue personnel to crisis zones, setting up shelters with food and drinking water, and using helicopters to aid areas cut off by road damage. They are also caring for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and bedridden patients, relocating them swiftly from risky zones. Overall, all sectors are fully committed to assistance efforts.
Thanakorn added that for long-term solutions, Nan province has many tributaries flowing from upper districts converging into the main Nan River over short distances, causing floodwaters to reach towns and plains rapidly. There are no sufficient water storage areas, flood basins, or large reservoirs to hold and manage water before it flows into communities. Therefore, the government must urgently improve and repair infrastructure, including strengthening flood barriers, reinforcing bank protections, and dredging canals to enhance natural drainage capacity. Systematic water management of the Nan River before and during the rainy season is also necessary to set an example for other communities in preventing and solving future flood problems.
"I urge the government to expedite damage assessments through responsible agencies to allocate budgets for repairing and restoring homes for affected residents. Additionally, compensation and relief measures should be implemented promptly according to existing regulations—for example, households experiencing floods for three consecutive days are eligible for compensation," Thanakorn said.