Landslide Forces School Closure in Nan as Buildings Develop Dangerous Cracks

A growing landslide has damaged buildings at a school in Nan province, forcing authorities to partially close the campus and relocate students to safer areas.

The landslide is located directly below the school and has expanded significantly, raising concerns about the stability of the site and the safety of students and teachers.

Landslide expands beneath school

The landslide initially measured only about two metres across but has now expanded to roughly 100 metres.

The movement of soil has caused large cracks to appear in parts of the school complex, including a kindergarten building.

The damage has raised fears that continued erosion could affect additional structures if the ground continues to shift.

Authorities are closely monitoring the area as they assess the extent of the damage and determine whether further evacuations or closures will be necessary.

Students moved to safer areas

As a precaution, students have been relocated from buildings considered to be at risk.

The partial closure is intended to keep children and school personnel away from areas affected by the unstable ground while officials investigate the situation.

Teachers and school administrators are also adjusting arrangements to allow lessons to continue as safely as possible.

The priority is to prevent students from entering buildings or sections of the campus that could be affected if the landslide expands further.

Heavy rain raises concerns

The incident comes amid concerns over unstable slopes and landslides in mountainous areas of northern Thailand, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Saturated soil can weaken slopes and accelerate erosion, increasing the risk of further ground movement.

Officials are therefore monitoring the landslide closely for signs that it is continuing to expand.

Any additional movement could force authorities to impose wider restrictions around the school.

Damage highlights risks in mountainous areas

The situation in Nan underscores the challenges faced by communities and schools located near steep or unstable terrain.

For schools in mountainous areas, landslides can pose a particularly serious risk because damage to access roads and buildings can disrupt education while also creating direct safety hazards.

Authorities will need to determine whether the affected school buildings can eventually be safely reopened or whether longer-term repairs or relocation will be required.

For now, keeping students away from the unstable area remains the priority as officials assess the damage and monitor the continuing landslide.