Thailand mobilises flood aid for Nan, Phayao, Lamphun

Thailand's Interior Ministry has ordered round-the-clock emergency assistance for residents of Nan, Phayao and Lamphun after the prime minister instructed agencies to accelerate flood aid on 19 August 2026.

The immediate operational focus is Nan, where flash floods have led authorities to step up rescue work. Officials have been told to continue moving people considered at risk from affected areas and to act swiftly on requests for help.

Rescue assets sent to Nan

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department's lower-northern regional units have been instructed to send every jet ski and flat-bottomed boat to Nan without delay. A KA32 helicopter has also been ordered to remain on standby for relief operations in the province.

Authorities must coordinate with the Highways Department, police and local volunteers to guide vehicles carrying equipment and staff into affected areas quickly. The deployment covers drinking-water production vehicles, field kitchens, tools, other equipment and personnel.

Nan can seek additional support if needed, and the ministry says it must be transported and delivered urgently. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has been told to follow the situation closely.

Social-media pleas to be monitored

Ministry staff have also been ordered to monitor every social-media channel where residents post appeals for assistance. The instruction is to reach people urgently and not leave them waiting for initial relief.

The prime minister has also ordered that basic public utilities be properly maintained. Every province, district and local administrative organisation must assess conditions; if water is expected to increase at any location, residents must be warned and evacuated from their homes as quickly as possible.

Anyone in an at-risk area should follow warnings from local authorities and their accommodation, avoid flooded routes and seek help promptly if they need evacuation or assistance. Keep essential medicines, travel documents and a charged phone ready if asked to leave.

People should monitor official local updates, while those needing urgent support should use the channels indicated by local authorities. The ministry says social-media appeals will be monitored as part of the response.

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19 August 2026