Thai MNRE Deploys Helicopter for Doi Phuka Relief 2026
Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin reports a helicopter delivery of royal relief bags to 11 isolated villages in Nan's Doi Phuka following severe flash floods and landslides.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- MNRE deploys a helicopter to deliver royal relief bags to 11 isolated villages
- Pua district in Nan province hit by severe flash floods and landslides
- Department of National Parks chief leads the aerial relief mission for the second day
- Local farmers previously shifted from corn to perennial trees to reduce soil erosion
Severe and continuous heavy rainfall in Nan province has triggered massive flash floods and landslides across Tambon Phuka, Pua district. High-altitude communities including Ban Khun Khun, Ban Pha Wiang, and Ban Nam Khwang have been completely cut off from main transportation routes, leaving at least 11 villages isolated without road access and experiencing electricity outages.
Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), stated that the ministry mobilized personnel and deployed a departmental helicopter to execute urgent aerial support operations. On August 22, 2026, the mission successfully airlifted royal relief bags granted by His Majesty the King to aid affected residents in these remote areas where ground transportation remains blocked.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, was assigned as the official representative to distribute the royal relief supplies alongside ministry-provided provisions. This marks the second consecutive day of aerial supply missions conducted to reach stranded villagers.
"His Majesty the King deeply cares and shows great compassion for the citizens affected by this disaster. Receiving these royal relief bags has brought profound joy and tremendous encouragement to the local residents."
The occurrence of high-intensity rainfall in a short timeframe, often characterized as a rain bomb event, poses severe challenges for highland ecosystems in Thailand such as Doi Phuka. While local communities have progressively transitioned from monoculture corn farming to planting perennial trees over the past four to five years to stabilize watershed areas and mitigate soil erosion, extreme weather phenomena still generate overwhelming volumes of runoff. Consequently, aerial logistics remain a vital lifeline for ensuring civilian safety when land routes are completely severed.
The Environment Minister noted that the affected communities reside within national reserved forest zones overlapping with Doi Phuka National Park boundaries, where residents have actively participated in watershed conservation efforts. However, unprecedented downpours generated extreme water accumulation within a short window, causing severe structural isolation and preventing residents from reaching lowland markets for essential supplies.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment affirmed that relief operations will persist via helicopter support until conditions stabilize. Once ground access is restored, authorities will immediately coordinate comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation efforts to assist the flood-stricken communities.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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