Persistent rainfall has led to severe flooding across Hat Yai district in the southern province of Songkhla, disrupting essential services and prompting large-scale emergency operations.
By Friday, the situation in the South’s largest city had reached critical levels. Electricity was shut off in several neighbourhoods as a safety precaution, while piped water systems and internet services were affected across multiple areas.
Residents reported being caught off guard by how quickly floodwaters rose.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul travelled to Hat Yai on Saturday to assess the situation firsthand. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn was also dispatched to coordinate logistics and oversee the deployment of drainage equipment and high-capacity pumps to affected zones.
Several main roads, including Phetkasem Road, are passable only to high-clearance vehicles. Shortages of drinking water and food have been reported, with many households unable to leave their homes.
Authorities have urged patience as rescue teams continue evacuations and work to reopen drainage routes. As of Saturday afternoon, 13 out of 16 districts in Songkhla had been declared disaster zones.
Despite the flooding outside, Hat Yai International Airport remains operational. Taxi services are running to the Thai Watsadu intersection, and Wing 56 is providing shuttle support.
Passengers may park for free in designated areas, while airlines such as Thai VietJet are offering flexible changes, including one free rescheduling within seven days. Stranded travellers have been allowed to sleep inside the terminal after registering with staff.
Transport services across the region have also been disrupted. The State Railway of Thailand has suspended ten southern train services after water rose above track levels in several areas.
Passengers who booked in advance are eligible for full refunds.
Hat Yai Mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung reported on Saturday that accumulated rainfall over the past three days reached 595 millimetres.
Persistent rain in the U-tapao River Basin has affected nearby canals and minor basins, with several areas reaching full capacity and overflowing rapidly into communities.
Residents in 103 communities have been warned to move belongings to higher ground and prepare for possible evacuation. Local administrative organisations have established evacuation centres, sandbag stations and field kitchens to assist affected households.
The flooding has also impacted major events in the city. The 43rd National Chamber of Commerce Seminar, held at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Centre, was forced to conclude after just one day.
Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman Poj Aramwattananont said organisers are helping participants return home amid flooded hotels and blocked travel routes.
Floodwaters continue to rise in the wider southern region. In Trang, eight districts have been inundated, affecting more than 6,000 households, with some communities now reachable only by boat.
In Satun, the navy has evacuated residents from isolated villages in La-ngu district, while six districts have been declared disaster zones. In Surat Thani, parts of Chaiya district remain underwater, though the economic centre has begun to recover as mountain runoff slowly drains out to sea.
Meteorological data released on Saturday morning showed extreme rainfall across Pattani, Songkhla and nearby provinces, with more than 440 millimetres recorded in some locations.
Officials warn that despite signs of easing rainfall, runoff from surrounding highlands and overflowing canals will continue to pose risks over the next 24 to 48 hours.
