Royal Aid Airlifted to 11 Villages Cut Off by Floods and Landslides
Helicopters delivered royal relief supplies to 11 villages in Nan province's Phuka District on August 22 after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides that cut off road access to highland settlements.
On August 22, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced that his ministry has deployed helicopters to deliver royal relief supplies to residents of Phuka District, Puang Subdistrict in Nan province. Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides that cut off multiple roads and isolated at least 11 villages, particularly the highland settlements of Ban Khun Kun, Ban Pha Wiang, and Ban Nam Khwang, leaving residents unable to access food and essential supplies by land.
The ministry mobilized emergency response teams and deployed a helicopter to deliver the royal relief packages, which arrived on August 22. This marks the second consecutive day of supply flights to the affected areas. Athipol Charounchansaa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, represented the ministry in distributing the royal aid and additional assistance supplies.
Chomklin emphasized that the situation reflects the King's concern and compassion for people suffering from natural disasters, and that the royal relief supplies have brought hope to residents in cut-off areas. The ministry will prioritize helicopter deliveries to high-elevation zones and areas where roads remain blocked, as these are the only accessible routes. Chomklin noted that while ground access remains impossible, helicopter support can deliver food, relief packages, and essential supplies until normal access is restored.
The minister acknowledged that residents in the area have made significant conservation efforts over the past four to five years, shifting from maize cultivation to perennial crops to better protect upstream forests and reduce long-term erosion risks. However, the current disaster was triggered by exceptionally intense "rain bomb" conditions that dumped massive amounts of water in a short period, overwhelming the landscape and causing widespread flooding and landslides. Some affected areas remain without electricity.
"Our immediate priority is safeguarding the lives and well-being of residents," Chomklin stated. "We will not abandon our people in remote areas. Even where vehicles cannot reach, our helicopters can deliver food, relief supplies, and necessities. We will continue this operation until the situation stabilizes, and once roads are passable again, we will accelerate the area's recovery and rehabilitation."
