Deputy PM Mobilizes 670 Troops to Clear Nan Flooding

On August 22, Deputy Prime Minister Yossakon Vongswasdi, chairing the committee on flood and drought prevention in Thailand's northern region, presided over a meeting to assess the flood situation in Nan province and coordinate relief efforts for affected residents. Provincial and district officials, along with relevant agencies, participated both in person and via video conference.

The meeting heard reports that 40 military engineers with heavy machinery from Phitsanulok had been deployed, along with 550 personnel from the 38th Army Region and 80 from the 34th-35th Army Regions. Yossakon instructed the Pua District office to distribute troops across the affected areas and maintain continuous support. Police were tasked with managing traffic to ensure relief personnel and agencies could reach victims quickly.

The Royal Irrigation Department deployed water trucks and personnel to assist with cleanup and mud removal at homes in Jedi Chai and Ban Rong Ngae subdistricts in Pua District. The deputy PM also assigned the Department of Public Works and Town Planning to survey building damage to ensure comprehensive relief and recovery support.

Yossakon expressed concern for the psychological well-being of disaster victims, particularly families whose homes suffered severe damage. He instructed the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and local agencies to coordinate trauma care alongside home repairs, with Pua Hospital arranging medical staff to assess and support affected residents' mental health.

The ministry reported that staff had been deployed to care for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled in Silalang and Wonkhorn subdistricts. Yossakon emphasized that rapid recovery of homes and communities would be crucial for residents' psychological healing.