Nan Province faces a critical flooding crisis as continuous heavy rainfall triggers flashfloods and sudden flooding across multiple areas, particularly Pua District. Water levels from the Pua and Khwang rivers have risen rapidly, inundating homes and communities in Ban Rong subdistrict and surrounding areas, with water levels reaching nearly the first floor of some houses and causing severe hardship to residents.

In Ban Kaem, Moo 4, Soi 2, Pua District, residents are calling for emergency assistance, including a family with a six-month-old infant trapped in the flooded area. The floods have also severely disrupted transportation, with Highway 101 (Pua-Chiang Klang) completely impassable to all vehicles and Highway 1256 (Pua-Bo Kluea) suffering bridge damage and washouts. Schools in affected areas have announced closures for student and staff safety, including Pa Laew Luang Wittaya, Du Phong, Ban Sri Bun Rueang, Ban Pong Kham, and Ban Pang Chang schools.

The Thai Meteorological Department warns that northern Thailand faces heavy to very heavy rainfall from August 18-21, 2025, which could trigger flash flooding, flashfloods, and landslides, especially in foothill areas, near waterways, and low-lying zones. Government agencies, local administration, and rescue units are actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance, with special priority for children, the elderly, patients, and people in high-risk areas. Residents in vulnerable zones are urged to move valuable items and electronics to higher ground, prepare for possible evacuation, and avoid traveling through flooded routes, damaged bridges, or areas with strong water currents.

Akpong Hrimcharoen, director of the National Statistical Office, opened the announcement of the 2568 Population and Housing Census results for the northern region under the theme Thailand Digital Census for All: Overcoming Challenges to New Opportunities. The event, held at The Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai, was attended by government officials, academics, and representatives from public and private organizations across the north.

The census announcement aims to disseminate 2568 population and housing data and build understanding of demographic and housing conditions among government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations. The data will support evidence-based policymaking, development planning, and resource allocation to drive sustainable national development.

Akpong Hrimcharoen stated that the National Statistical Office places high importance on releasing results from the 2568 census, Thailand's 12th population census and 6th housing census. The regional announcement serves to convey critical demographic and housing information to all stakeholders in the north, ensuring they receive accurate, complete, and timely data that reflects changes in Thai society. The office aims to promote the use of statistical data in policy formulation, development planning, and public service delivery tailored to community needs.

The director added that regional-level events reflect the office's commitment to raising awareness and expanding the application of census data across all sectors to support evidence-based decision-making, ultimately improving quality of life, reducing inequality, and achieving sustainable development. Additional census announcements will be held in the northeast at Khon Kaen and in the south at Nakhon Si Thammarat. The concluding national census announcement and statistical conference, featuring comprehensive results for all of Thailand, will bring together over 400 statisticians and experts at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

Shiva Thamikananth, deputy governor of Chiang Mai Province, noted that the 2568 census clearly reveals significant changes in the northern region, particularly the transition to an aging society. Many northern provinces have Thailand's highest proportions of elderly residents, signaling the need for government preparation in welfare, healthcare, and long-term quality of life services. The data reflects real conditions in many areas, including elderly populations living in isolation.

Krung Thai Card is pushing forward in the second half of 2026, targeting spending growth through credit cards and loans with confidence. The company expects increased spending during the year-end high season and is focusing on acquiring quality customers in two main segments: those earning 50,000 baht or more, and first-time jobbers or young professionals. This will be supported by new data analytics and core systems to improve efficiency, manage cyber security risks, and expand insurance brokerage business. In the first half of the year, the company posted net profit of 4.397 billion baht, up 17.1 percent. Credit card spending grew 4.7 percent, exceeding the industry average of 2.7 percent, while market share in card spending rose to 13.3 percent.

Pithaya Worpanyasukul, Chief Executive Officer of Krung Thai Card Company Limited, said at the second quarter 2026 earnings call that the overall economic picture in the second half is unlikely to differ significantly from the first half, but spending and credit demand are likely to increase seasonally, especially in the final quarter which is the high season. The company believes it can achieve its growth targets for card spending and loans. "Our challenge is not just adding more customers, but acquiring quality ones and managing customer acquisition costs efficiently," she explained. "We are reducing unnecessary expenses, using technology to improve processes, and developing our people's skills, but we will not reduce benefits that matter to our members because growth must come with maintaining long-term customer relationships."

The strong performance of Krung Thai Card's group in such an economic environment reflects company-wide collaboration in improving work efficiency and disciplined cost management. The company emphasizes building business strength throughout the entire process—from screening and selecting quality customers, developing member service staff, upgrading employee skills, investing in technology and fraud prevention, to caring for customers facing debt repayment problems through close consultation and mediation. "We believe that comprehensive management from upstream to downstream allows Krung Thai Card to grow with quality, maintain long-term customer relationships, and build sustained strong operational results, even in times of economic uncertainty," Pithaya said.

In the second half, credit card business will focus on expanding two quality customer segments: those earning 50,000 baht or more, who still have purchasing power and good repayment ability, and first-time jobbers and young professionals, whom Krung Thai Card wants to make their first credit card to build long-term relationships. For existing members, the goal is to make Krung Thai Card their primary spending card. Current members continue to use the card consistently, reflecting the strength of a quality membership base and effective marketing strategies that address everyday spending needs across restaurants, shopping, online retail, insurance, and travel—categories showing strong growth. Online shopping spending is particularly performing well with double-digit growth, while health and beauty categories show promising potential. The company is also ready to work more closely with Krung Thai Bank to expand quality customer base and wealth management segments.

A major shift is the implementation of a new Core System, opening digital pathways and controlling cybersecurity threats.

On 19 August 2025, a 23-year-old woman filed a complaint with village authorities in Klonng Khlong District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, reporting that her younger sister, aged 20, had stolen her national ID card. The younger sister used it to fraudulently claim healthcare benefits at multiple hospitals in Kamphaeng Phet and other provinces.

The victim discovered the theft when checking the Doctor Ready app before her own prenatal appointment at a hospital in Kamphaeng Phet, where she is registered to receive healthcare. She found records showing two pregnancy registrations, a miscarriage, and numerous other medical procedures including gallstone surgery—none of which she had actually undergone.

The younger sister had fled home about a year ago with a motorcycle and a bag containing the ID card, and has had no contact with the family since. The victim reported the theft to police at Klongg Khlong Police Station. Officers advised her to contact her sister to stop using the card or to visit the district office for verification, but the victim cannot reach her sister through any means—phone, Facebook, or LINE. She has sent messages asking her to stop, but received no reply.

On 17 August, the Doctor Ready app showed the card being used for prenatal care registration at a hospital in Chachoengsao Province, shocking the victim further. She visited a local hospital in Kamphaeng Phet to request deletion of the fraudulent records. The hospital agreed to remove them from its system, but she cannot travel to hospitals in other provinces to do the same.

The victim has now sought help from village authorities and media, noting that she and her sister look similar and fears doctors may confuse them as the same person. She is puzzled why the old ID card was not automatically deactivated when she obtained a new one, and she is asking her sister to stop using her identity for healthcare claims.

On August 19, the Thai Meteorological Department issued its eighth warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern Thailand, lasting until August 21. The northern and northeastern regions are expected to be most affected due to monsoon troughs moving over the upper north and northeast, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand's coast, and the Gulf of Thailand.

Residents are warned of sudden flash floods and flash flooding, especially in hillside areas and low-lying zones near waterways. People should avoid routes prone to repeated flooding, particularly in depression areas where standing water may develop quickly. Forty-eight provinces have been named as at-risk areas.

In coastal waters, the upper Andaman Sea will experience strong winds with waves 2–3 metres high, rising above 3 metres in thunderstorm zones. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres during thunderstorms. Fishermen are urged to navigate carefully and avoid stormy areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore during this period.

The public is advised to plan activities and travel carefully during this time. Updates are available 24/7 from the Thai Meteorological Department website at http://www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182. The next warning will be issued on August 19 at 5 p.m.