Deputy PM Orders Flood Preparations for Three Northern Provinces
Thailand's Deputy PM has ordered governors of three northern provinces to activate comprehensive flood preparations following forecasts of heavy monsoon rains and potential flash floods in August.
On August 19, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiruk, also Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, signed an urgent letter as chairman of the Northern Region Flood and Drought Prevention and Mitigation Committee, directing the governors of Nan, Phayao, and Lampun provinces to implement comprehensive flood management measures across all dimensions.
The Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms, heavy rain in some areas, and strong winds during August 2025 that could cause flash floods, flash flooding, and riverbank overflow. In response, the committee has established eight priority measures for the three provinces to implement immediately: (1) Close monitoring and situation assessment by coordinating upstream and neighboring provincial data to forecast trends and provide timely warnings, with emphasis on repeatedly flooded areas, dense communities, economic zones, tourist attractions, and key transportation routes; (2) Enhanced alert systems through Cell Broadcast integration and coordination with provincial, district, local, headman, and community leaders to ensure public awareness; (3) Personnel, machinery, and KA-32 helicopter readiness with staff, boats, and pumps stationed at vulnerable points operating 24 hours, including helicopter standby for evacuations and relief deliveries to hard-to-reach areas; (4) Temporary shelters with adequate facilities, food, drinking water, healthcare systems, and kitchen support; (5) Continuous water level updates for rivers, streams, low-lying areas, raft operators, restaurants, riverside residents, and travelers; (6) Emergency operation centers prioritizing vulnerable groups with coordination through the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department; (7) Accelerated recovery and compensation surveys for rapid and fair government aid distribution under the 2568 Emergency Victim Relief Regulations; and (8) Coordination with Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry units for 24-hour flood response, equipment relocation, and post-flood cleanup.
These measures implement Prime Minister's Order 275/2569 establishing five regional flood and drought prevention committees to efficiently alleviate suffering in northern Thailand.
