Bangkok: The era of defensive measures is over as Deputy Prime Minister Yoschanan presented a comprehensive plan to address the upstream water crisis. In a parliamentary session, he introduced the "Nan Model" and "Nan Sandbox" initiatives, which aim to leverage river basin scanning technology and construct bypass canals, alongside restoring forests and promoting a green economy.
According to Thai News Agency, during a recent session of the House of Representatives, Mr. Prasit Notha, an MP for Nan Province from the Kla Tham Party, raised an urgent inquiry about solutions to the flooding crisis in the northern region, particularly in the Nan River basin. The situation has severely impacted the lives and property of residents. In response, Professor Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, elaborated on short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to combat the issue.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan expressed gratitude for the cooperation of various agencies, including government sectors, military, police, and volunteers, emphasizing the swift response facilitated by the Single Command Center. He highlighted the importance of timely coordination in mitigating community damage, using the situation in Pua District as an example.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained the hydrological dynamics that led to the floodwaters in Nan province, originating from unprecedented rainfall in mountainous areas. Immediate restoration efforts for infrastructure and essential services have been implemented, and temporary bridges are being installed to reconnect isolated areas. Additionally, relief measures, including financial support, have been approved to assist affected households.
Further preventive measures involve deploying advanced technology for early warning systems, enhancing response times for residents in high-risk areas. Short- to medium-term projects include dredging points along the Nan River and constructing reservoirs to improve drainage efficiency. A long-term plan involves a feasibility study for a new canal to divert floodwaters away from urban areas.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions, focusing on watershed forest restoration and green economy development. The "Nan Sandbox" model aims to integrate reforestation with medicinal plant cultivation, generating income for local communities and promoting a stable, sustainable quality of life for the people of northern Thailand.