Nan Province Launches AI Flood Alert System With National Research Institute

The National Research Council (NRC) and Chulalongkorn University have joined Nan Provincial Administration to launch the "Nan Water Plan," a data-driven innovation platform designed to strengthen flood response and water management across the region. On August 9, 2026, NRC Director Dr. Vibharat Deeaung led a fact-finding visit to the provincial offices alongside academics, government officials, and local researchers to review the implementation of the water management system.

Dr. Vibharat emphasized that the NRC prioritizes translating research into practical benefits for communities, and that effective water management and disaster response require collaboration between research institutions and local agencies. By linking data from provincial down to community level, residents gain access to information and can participate in protecting their own areas, supported by knowledge and technology for systematic flood preparedness.

Associate Professor Dr. Suchrit Koonthanakulwongse noted that water management research must integrate knowledge, technology, and data from multiple agencies to create decision-support systems applicable on the ground. The "Nan Water Plan" represents a key approach to applying research with local and relevant agencies, improving planning and response to both flooding and drought.

Nan Provincial Administration head Thipawan Wongdee confirmed that flood and drought management are critical mandates, carried out through collaboration with research units to analyze water sources, develop community water plans, and assess water balance. The province is coordinating to ensure research data feeds into provincial water management planning.

Developed by Associate Professor Chuchooke Aiyupong from Chiang Mai University, the "Nan Water Plan" aligns water data with local context for planning, monitoring, and response. The province is also developing flood maps and using "Flood Eye" technology to measure soil moisture and rainfall, enabling early forecasting and giving residents more time to prepare or evacuate.

Nan Province is establishing a provincial water data center to consolidate and link information from multiple agencies using GIS systems to store disaster-response resources such as boats and pumps, with screening and alert mechanisms to ensure residents receive accurate, coordinated information. This visit reflects the NRC's commitment to bringing research innovations to practical use in communities.