NAN – The Chamber of Commerce has revealed that tropical storm “Wipha” that swept through northern Thailand has caused more than 5 billion baht (US$154 million) in damage to homes, belongings, vehicles and farmlands.
The reported many people were cut off as both main and secondary roads became impassable. Food, clean water and basic supplies have been in short supply ever since. Businesses throughout Nan have been directly affected.
Shops, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and many SME operators had to halt their operations. Floodwaters destroyed goods and stock, causing significant loss of income. Almost all of Nan’s major tourist spots were hit hard, forcing tourists to cancel visits and leaving the tourism sector with heavy losses.
According to Ms. Watcharee Promthong, Chairwoman of the Nan Chamber of Commerce, the initial estimate for direct business damage exceeds 3 billion baht. When combined with agricultural losses, damage to homes, public infrastructure, and missed business opportunities, the total impact may reach 5 billion baht. This is far more severe than the major floods in 2011.
The Nan Chamber of Commerce has urged the government to fast-track practical relief in four key areas:
1. Tax Relief: The Chamber asks for personal and corporate income tax reductions for affected business owners, especially for SMEs, and also for VAT exemptions on purchases related to repairs and recovery.
2. Direct Financial Aid: Special government funding should be set aside to support everyone hit by the floods, including homeowners, damaged businesses and farmers with flooded land.
3. Debt Moratoriums: The Chamber urges all lenders to pause repayments on mortgages, business and agricultural loans for at least one year, giving affected people time to get back on their feet.
4. Restoration of Tourism and Infrastructure: Quick action is needed to repair tourist destinations and damaged infrastructure so Nan can welcome visitors again and help the local economy recover.
The Nan Chamber of Commerce has called on the Prime Minister and the economic cabinet to urgently consider these proposals. Fast action will help people and businesses return to normal life and work, and speed up Nan’s economic recovery.
Nan Province in northern Thailand is famous for its cultural sites, peaceful scenery and ancient temples such as Wat Phumin. In July and August 2025, Nan saw its worst flooding in over forty years. Days of heavy rain from Tropical Storm Wipha’s remains caused the Nan River to burst its banks.
Floodwater spread across key districts like Muang, Tha Wang Pha, and Pua. More than 100,000 households were affected, with homes, farms and roads badly damaged. At its worst, the Nan River reached 9.49 metres, a record high, covering major landmarks and forcing many people to leave their homes.
Volunteers, soldiers and local teams worked day and night to rescue people, hand out aid and limit the destruction. The government sent emergency crews and supplies to help those in need. The community worked together to face one of the toughest natural disasters in the region’s recent history.
