Forestry Department Deployed to Assist Flood-Affected Chiang Rai

On August 1, 2026, reports from Khaosod Online indicated that Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, issued an urgent directive for the Royal Forest Department to mobilize personnel to support communities impacted by flash flooding in Chiang Rai province. The order, issued following reports of heavy rainfall, mandates that forestry units remain on standby for 24-hour emergency response should the situation escalate.

According to the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, Nikorn Sirirojananon, the Doi Chang forest protection unit was dispatched on July 31 at 1:30 p.m. to assist affected areas. Initial assessments confirm that continuous rainfall caused the Korn and Lao rivers to overflow their banks. As of the latest report, at least two villages have been impacted, with approximately 40 households experiencing direct effects from the flooding.

For residents and travelers in the region, this situation highlights the potential for rapid water level rises in northern Thailand during the monsoon season. While authorities are actively monitoring the situation, those in low-lying areas near riverbanks should exercise caution and stay updated on local weather alerts. It remains to be confirmed how many additional households may be affected if rainfall persists and whether further evacuations will be necessary as the Royal Forest Department continues its monitoring efforts.