Deputy PM Visits Nan Flood Zone, Distributes Aid on Day Three

Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongswaddi, also Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, led a high-level team from Nan province on August 21, 2569 to assess flooding and flash-flood conditions across the province and coordinate emergency relief and recovery efforts. At approximately 1:30 p.m., he traveled to Pua district's community hall to distribute survival kits donated by the Northern Residents Association to flood victims, accompanied by former Nan MPs including Dr. Chollanan Srikaew and Nathpong Supariyasilp.

Addressing residents in the Northern dialect, Deputy PM Yossanan expressed sympathy for the disaster caused by heavy rain accumulating in the hills and triggering rapid flash floods affecting a wide area. He assured the public that all government bodies, provincial authorities, local administrative organizations, and the Irrigation Department have prepared and are working to alleviate suffering. He confirmed that water levels are receding and the situation is improving, marking entry into the "recovery phase," with local units accelerating cleanup efforts and potentially hiring private contractors to speed the process. Multiple ministries including Social Development and Human Security, Labor, Interior, Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Public Health have coordinated to provide medicines and relief measures.

Deputy PM Yossanan stated his primary objectives are to restore normalcy and rebuild public confidence for tourism recovery. Utilities including electricity and water supply will be restored within 1-2 days. He pledged to remain in the area until conditions improve and to accelerate Irrigation Department projects to permanently solve the recurring flooding that has plagued the region for three years. He also warned residents to watch for landslides if further rains occur.

At 3:00 p.m., the team visited the Chulalongkorn University Phasingh evacuation center in Mueang Nan district, where he warmly interacted with flood victims, creating moments of laughter and relief. He then visited Nan Hospital at 4:00 p.m. to encourage medical staff, officials, patients, and the injured.