The flood situation in the South’s largest city reached critical levels on Friday., reports the Bangkok Post.
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.
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 return 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.
FLOOD LEVELS RISING
Floodwater continued to rise across much of Thailand’s heavily inundated South due to persistent rain, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said on Sunday morning (Nov 23), the Bangkok Post noted in another report.
Ten provinces are affected, with about 1.47 million people impacted.
Flooded provinces are Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Water levels are still rising in most areas, except Surat Thani and Krabi where floods are receding.
Flooding in the 10 provinces was reported in:
Surat Thani: Tha Chana, Khian Sa, Chaiya, Kanchanadit
Krabi: Khao Phanom
Nakhon Sri Thammarat: Cha-uat, Muang, Tha Sala, Phrommakhiri, Ron Phibun, Na Bon, Sichon, Chawang, Thung Song, Chalerm Prakiat, Hua Sai, Lan Saka, Bang Khan, Phra Phrom, Chang Klang, Pak Phanang, Chulabhorn, Nop Phi Tam, Thung Yai, Phipun, Chian Yai, Tham Phannara
Trang: Na Yong, Huai Yot, Ratsada, Yan Ta Khao, Wang Wiset, Kantang, Muang, Sikao, Palian
Phatthalung: Muang, Khuan Khanun, Kong Ra, Khao Chaison, Sri Nakarin, Bang Kaew, Pa Bon, Pak Phayun, Sri Banphot, Pa Phayom, Tamot
Satun: Khuan Don, Langu, Tha Phae, Manang, Khuan Ka Long, Muang, Thung Wa
Songkhla: Rattaphum, Muang, Chana, Khlong Hoi Khong, Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, Hat Yai, Khuan Niang, Na Thawi, Singha Nakhon, Na Mom, Bang Klam, Sadao, Thepha, Saba Yoi
Pattani: Sai Buri, Mae Lan, Khok Pho, Mayo, Yarang, Mai Kaen, Yaring, Panare, Thung Yang Daeng, Kapho, Nong Chik, Muang
Yala: Muang
Narathiwat: Bacho, Yi-ngo, Muang
The highest number of affected households is in Nakhon Si Thammarat (194,574), followed by Songkhla (190,757) and Phatthalung (103,190).
The Meteorological Department said heavy rain would continue on Sunday before easing between Monday and Friday.
Meanwhile, overflowing waterways continue to cause flooding in 11 provinces in the North and Central Plains.
In the North, flooding persists in:
Phitsanulok: Bang Rakam
Nakhon Sawan: Chumsaeng, Muang, Phayuha Khiri, Krok Phra
In the Central Plains, inundation continues in:
Uthai Thani: Muang
Chai Nat: Wat Sing, Manorom, Muang, Sapphaya, Sankhaburi
Sing Buri: In Buri, Phrom Buri, Muang
Ang Thong: Pa Mok, Wiset Chai Chan, Chai Yo, Muang
Suphan Buri: Muang, Bang Pla Ma, Song Phi Nong, U Thong, Sri Prachan, Don Chedi, Doembang Nangbuat
Ayutthaya: Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Bang Sai, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pahan, Bang Sa-ai, Ban Phraek, Maha Rat, Lat Bua Luang, Nakhon Luang
Pathum Thani: Sam Khok, Muang
Nonthaburi: Muang, Pak Kret, Bang Kruai
Nakhon Pathom: Bang Len, Sam Phran, Nakhon Chaisi, Kamphaeng Saen, Muang, Don Tum, Buddha Monthon
Flood levels are falling in most of these provinces, except Phitsanulok where water remains stable.