Floods ravage Hat Yai as heavy rain in South continues

Mayor declares ‘red flag’ alert after downpours totalling 595mm

Persistent rain has caused severe flooding in Hat Yai district of the southern border province of Songkhla on Saturday.

The flood situation in the South’s largest city reached critical levels on Friday. Electricity has been cut in several neighbourhoods for safety, while internet services and piped water systems have been disrupted.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul flew to Hat Yai on Saturday to inspect conditions. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn was also dispatched to the South to oversee logistics and the mobilisation of drainage equipment and large-capacity pumps.

Major roads in Hat Yai such as Phetkasem Road are passable only to high-clearance vehicles, and many residents have reported shortages of drinking water and food after being caught off-guard by the speed of the flood.

Local authorities have appealed for patience as rescue teams continue to evacuate vulnerable residents and clear drainage routes.

As of Saturday afternoon, 13 out of 16 districts in Songkhla province had been declared disaster zones.

Despite the widespread flooding outside, Hat Yai International Airport remains operational, with taxi services running to the Thai Watsadu intersection and Wing 56 providing shuttle support.

Passengers may park free of charge in designated areas, while several airlines are offering flexible changes; Thai VietJet, for example, has allowed one free rescheduling within seven days. Travellers stranded overnight have been permitted to sleep inside the terminal after registering with airport staff.

The State Railway of Thailand, meanwhile, has suspended 10 southern train services after water rose above track levels in some locations. Passengers with advance tickets may claim full refunds. (Story continues below)

Hat Yai Mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung reported on Saturday that the accumulated rainfall over the past three days reached 595 millimetres, with persistent heavy rain occurring in the U-tapao River Basin affecting other minor basins and canals. Some areas were at full capacity, causing rapid overflow into communities.

The city warned residents in 103 communities to move their belongings and prepare for possible evacuation due to the severe flooding.

Local administrative organisations are mobilising evacuation centres, sandbag stations and kitchens to provide full assistance to residents.

As a result of the flooding, the 43rd National Chamber of Commerce Seminar, being held in Hat Yai, had to end just one day after it started at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Centre.

Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce, said local organisers were coordinating efforts to help participants to returning home due to flooded hotels and blocked travel routes.

Across the broader southern region, floodwaters continue to rise in several provinces. Eight districts in Trang are now inundated, affecting more than 6,000 households, with some communities accessible only by boat.

In Satun, the navy evacuated residents from several cut-off villages in La-ngu district, while six districts have been declared disaster zones. In Surat Thani, parts of Chaiya district remain underwater, although the economic zone has begun to recover as mountain runoff gradually drains out to sea.

Meteorological data released on Saturday morning showed extreme rainfall levels across Pattani, Songkhla and nearby provinces, with over 440mm recorded in some areas — contributing to the widespread overflow of rivers and canals.

Officials warn that although rainfall is easing, runoff from surrounding mountains and overflowing canals will continue to pose risks for the next 24-48 hours.