State Media Mobilized for Nan Flood Crisis Communication, Providing Live Updates Throughout News Broadcasts

On 19 August 2026, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi, who oversees the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) and MCOT Public Company Limited, expressed her concern over the flooding in Nan Province following heavy accumulated rainfall and runoff. In particular, as 19–20 August was identified as a period of heightened risk, she instructed state media agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide the public with continuous updates.

The move follows Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive for all agencies to provide full support to flood-affected communities. The PRD has established the Nan Joint Information Center (JIC Nan) as a crisis communication mechanism, working with relevant local agencies to provide accurate and verified information and prevent confusion caused by unconfirmed reports. MCOT has also been instructed to provide updates during every news bulletin and deploy a team to support public communication efforts in the affected areas.

As of 8:00 a.m. on 19 August, Nan Deputy Governor Banjong Khunphet reported that three districts — Pua, Santi Suk, and Mae Charim — had been affected. Pua District was the hardest hit, with flooding across seven subdistricts and 60 villages, affecting approximately 8,000 families and more than 16,000 people. Disaster prevention and mitigation officials are continuing to provide immediate assistance to affected residents.

Nan Province has established an incident command center at the Pua District Office and also set up evacuation centers. Residents in at-risk areas are being moved to seven designated safe locations. Authorities are also coordinating the establishment of a Royal Kitchen and local community kitchens at evacuation centers, while the Pua Crown Prince Hospital has been placed on standby to provide medical care for flood victims.

Minister Supamas pointed out that the situation in Nan requires continued vigilance, particularly on 19–20 August. She also instructed state media to provide timely, accurate, and verifiable information throughout their news broadcasts, stressing that reliable information is essential to public safety during a flood emergency. 

The PRD and MCOT are closely monitoring the situation on their television and radio broadcasts, as well as online platforms. The Minister also called on media outlets across all platforms to rely on official sources to prevent inaccurate information from further undermining communities already facing hardship.

The public is advised to closely follow official announcements and comply with instructions from authorities. JIC Nan will issue situation updates twice daily at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with immediate alerts in the event of heavy rain, flash floods, or landslides, as well as updates on evacuation and public health assistance.

Source: PR Thai Government