Culture
Helicopter Airlift Delivers Royal Aid to Isolated Villages in Nan Province
Following severe flooding and landslides in Nan Province, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is using helicopters to deliver royal relief supplies to 11 cut-off villages.
On August 22, 2026, Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, announced that helicopters are being deployed to assist residents in the Phu Kha sub-district of Pua District, Nan Province. Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and landslides, severing road access to at least 11 villages, including Ban Khun Kun, Ban Pha Wiang, and Ban Nam Khwang.
As part of an ongoing relief effort, the Ministry is utilizing its aircraft to transport royal relief bags granted by His Majesty the King to those stranded in these high-altitude areas. Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, led the delivery mission, which also included additional supplies provided by the Ministry. This marks the second consecutive day of aerial operations to ensure that residents have access to food and essential items while ground routes remain impassable.
For residents and travelers in the region, this situation highlights the significant impact of monsoon-related weather on infrastructure in mountainous areas. While the government is actively managing the crisis, those planning travel to northern Thailand should monitor local weather reports and road conditions closely. It remains to be confirmed how long the ground access will remain blocked and when full transportation services to these remote villages will be restored.