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After days of heavy rainfall, the flood situation in Hat Yai has improved. However, certain regions still face road hazards.
Tropical storms, typhoons, and floods have in recent months swept across parts of Asia including Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Among the most recently hit is Hat Yai-Songkhla, Thailand where the region was declared a red zone on 24 November, and six provinces were considered submerged.
For Singaporeans who were affected by the floods, the Singapore Embassy in Bangkok has just shared an update today (Thursday, 27 November) that transportation from Central Hat Yai and Hat Yai International Airport is now possible as ground conditions have improved. In a Facebook post, the Embassy said: "We are currently arranging for vans to evacuate Singaporeans from Central Hat Yai to Hat Yai International Airport. We strongly encourage all Singaporeans to make your way to Central Hat Yai if you are able to do so."
As of Monday (24 November), more than 6,300 Malaysians have crossed the border out of Thailand and arrived safely in Malaysia, according to the Immigration Department. To maintain support for those still affected, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its Operations Room in Putrajaya starting Wednesday (25 November). Malaysians in impacted areas who are unable to reach Malaysian diplomatic missions in Thailand are encouraged to contact the Ministry directly for assistance.
The series of events and measures that took place along the week
Per an article by Nation Thailand, Governor Rattasart Chidchoo chaired a meeting of the Provincial Disaster Command Centre for Floods, Storms and Landslides to assess the rapidly worsening conditions and implement immediate response measures.
According to the report, here is a breakdown of the impact of the flooding across Songkhla between 19 to 23 November 2025:
Widespread impact
- 16 districts
- 100 subdistricts
- 637 villages
- Over 465,000 people
- 235 people already evacuated
Most severely affected ("very severe")
- Hat Yai (highest number of affected residents)
- Rattaphum
- Na Mom
Special surveillance districts
- Thepha
- Na Thawi
- Saba Yoi
- Ranot
- Krasae Sin
- Sathing Phra peninsula
That same day, Governer Rattasart announced an immediate evacuation to the various designated shelters, according to Nation Thailand:
- Main shelter: Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Auditorium — capacity approx. 5,000 people,
- Secondary shelter: Songkhla Rajabhat University — capacity approx. 2,000 people, and
- Additional backup shelters: Provided by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Royal Thai Navy and other relevant agencies.
Assistance provided for affected tourists
In view of the situation, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced on 25 November 2025 that it would coordinate assistance for tourists affected in several provinces, with TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool instructing all domestic and overseas offices to closely monitor developments and support travelers impacted by disruptions.
Regional TAT offices gathered updates, reviewed the condition of tourist attractions, and shared current travel information as the situation evolved, of which reports from affected districts were compiled to help visitors adjust their plans and to provide tourism operators with a clearer sense of the short-term impact on travel activity in the region.
TAT’s overseas offices in Malaysia and Indonesia also issued real-time updates to partner tour companies, including assistance available to travelers and information on attractions that remained accessible. The agency also distributed operational updates from airports, airlines, and the State Railway of Thailand. All airports in Southern Thailand remained open, and airlines supported passengers who needed to modify travel plans.
On the same day, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul signed an executive decree declaring a state of emergency in Songkhla Province. He shared that various agencies have sent officials to help people in all affected areas and provide them with food, essential supplies, and transport to support the relief operations.
"When the situation improves, an emphasis will be placed on the rehabilitation process, so that the flood victims will be able to return to their homes and resume their normal lives."
The Government also raised the flood situation in Songkhla to Level Four.
Hat Yai Hospital's lack of oxygen supply
In that vein, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)'s Permanent Secretary, Dr Somrerk Jungsaman, said that ministry’s most severely affected facility is Hat Yai Hospital, which reported that its oxygen supply will last only until 26 November, making it imperative to move its 90 critical patients to nearby major hospitals.
The Health Ministry ordered urgent air transfers of 50 patients from Hat Yai Hospital, distributing them across four nearby hospitals. To boost capacity, Health Region 11 deployed teams of internists, paediatricians, nurses, and technical staff, with the first medical support team dispatched on the morning of 25 November 2025.
Multiple agencies — including the armed forces, DDPM, and Pattani Hospital — mobilised helicopters and aeromedical teams for evacuation efforts. Additional oxygen supplies were transported to maintain 24-hour availability.
Separately, the Royal Thai Army activated disaster-relief units to assist flood-affected areas in the South, deploying vehicles, boats, rescue gear, and specialised teams to support evacuations, operations in deep-flood zones, and coordination with the 4th Army Area.
After three days, a Facebook post by the Nation Thailand indicated that floodwaters in Songkhla are now showing signs of receding, with some areas returning to normal. However, certain regions still face road hazards, requiring caution from motorists.
Citing Chana District's Facebook page, the National Thailand also stated that the situation in Kru Sae Market, Sakom sub-district, remains concerning, with small vehicles unable to pass. Larger vehicles have been instructed with extra caution due to parked trucks and cars blocking the road, causing traffic congestion and potential safety risks.
How the Ministry of Labour is helping affected employees
In a Facebook post, the Ministry of Labour rolled out immediate support for flood-affected workers by coordinating with provincial agencies to help evacuate victims and set up shelter operations. Provincial labour development offices have also established food kitchens to distribute meals until conditions improve.
For recovery after waters recede, the ministry has introduced various measures such as:
- Urgent employment activities,
- Career guidance,
- Vocational rehabilitation,
- Job-matching support, and
- Mobile service centres for repairing electronics, vehicles, and farm machinery.
Employees insured under social security who cannot work — either due to workplaces being flooded or employers are unable to operate — are entitled to unemployment benefits at 50% of daily wages for up to 180 days. Applications can be submitted at any social security office nationwide.
To support workers that are unable to travel due to high floods, the ministry has requested employers to allow leave without deducting from existing leave balances and to maintain normal wages.
For employees needing financial support to repair homes or restart livelihoods, the ministry has activated a natural disaster relief loan programme via labour welfare cooperatives. Members can access loans of up to THB20mn per cooperative per year, with a 2% annual interest rate and repayment terms of up to five years.
Lead image / Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn's Facebook
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