Thousands of tourists found themselves stranded in Hat Yai, a popular destination in Thailand's southern Songkhla province, following days of torrential rain that caused severe flooding. On 23/11, approximately 1,000 passengers could not depart from Hat Yai airport in Khlong Hoi Khong district. Airport management promptly provided essential supplies, including food, water, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and first-aid kits, to those affected.
The previous day, Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that around 4,000 Malaysian tourists were also stranded in Hat Yai city and other parts of Songkhla province. Hat Yai city, along with all southern districts of the province, has been declared a disaster zone due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.
The region has experienced record-breaking precipitation, with Hat Yai recording a total rainfall of 595 mm from 19/11 to the present. This figure surpasses the peak levels seen during major floods in 2000 (497 mm) and 2010 (516 mm). The rising floodwaters have cut off many main roads, isolating hotels and trapping tourists. For safety reasons, electricity was cut in some residential areas, while internet services and water supply systems faced disruptions.
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Residents and tourists navigated floodwaters in Hat Yai district on 23/11. Photo: Reuters
In response to the crisis, Thailand announced on 24/11 that it had coordinated with foreign embassies, businesses, hotels, and local authorities. The collective effort aimed to locate stranded tourists and facilitate their safe evacuation. Sitthipong Sitthiprapha, president of the Hatyai-Songkhla Hotel Association, confirmed that authorities had provided food and arranged boats for assistance. Large military trucks and the Royal Irrigation Department were also mobilized to aid relief efforts.
The Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla issued an advisory, recommending that all Malaysian citizens planning to travel or work in southern Thailand postpone their trips. This recommendation came due to persistent heavy rainfall and widespread flooding affecting numerous areas in the region.
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Passengers stranded at Hat Yai airport on the night of 23/11. Photo: Hat Yai Airport
Overall, the floods have caused severe damage across 637 villages, impacting 10 provinces and 1,5 million people throughout Thailand. Hat Yai district alone accounts for nearly 243,000 affected individuals. Other severely flooded districts include Na Mom and Rattaphum. The remaining affected provinces are: Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.
By Anh Minh (According to Bangkok Post, Straits Times, Khaosod)
