Hat Yai Flood Disaster Strands Over 1,000 Tourists, Triggers Mass Evacuation

Severe flooding has crippled the southern Thai city of Hat Yai, trapping more than 1,000 tourists and forcing a large-scale evacuation. The city, a major travel hub, became isolated after relentless rainfall cut off all major road access. Emergency services are working around the clock to move people to safety.

The crisis began on the morning of November 24, 2025. A torrent of water surged into the city from neighboring areas, overwhelming canals and drainage systems. Water levels reportedly surpassed those seen in previous major flood events, according to local reports from Nation Thailand.

Tourists Marooned as City Grinds to a Halt

Hundreds of travelers found themselves stranded in hotels and at the airport. While Hat Yai Airport remained operational, connecting roads were submerged and impassable. The sudden nature of the flooding left many visitors with no way to leave the city or reach their accommodations.

Local businesses stepped up to provide support. Hotels and restaurants offered shelter, food, and essential supplies to those stuck. The community’s response became a crucial lifeline for tourists caught in the unfolding disaster.

Authorities deployed military trucks and specialized vehicles to assist. Their primary goal was to ferry stranded individuals between the airport, hotels, and official evacuation shelters. The logistical challenge was immense with so many people affected across a wide area.

Race Against Time: A Citywide Evacuation Order

The situation escalated rapidly, prompting an urgent mass evacuation order from Songkhla’s governor. Residents in low-lying and high-risk zones were instructed to move to designated shelters immediately. The main shelter at Prince of Songkla University was prepared to house up to 5,000 people.

Security and emergency teams mobilized a significant response. More than 100 military vehicles, along with flat-bottom boats and naval support, were dispatched to assist. Relief teams distributed food, water, and other necessities to those in need.

The official directive was clear and urgent. All residents in vulnerable areas were told to evacuate without delay. This was essential for effective crisis management and to ensure everyone’s safety.

Broader Impact on a Key Tourism Economy

The flooding’s impact extends far beyond immediate safety concerns. Hat Yai’s vital tourism industry faces a severe disruption. This event highlights the vulnerability of key economic hubs to extreme weather patterns, a growing concern linked to climate change.

Local hoteliers and tour operators now brace for weeks of recovery. The timing is particularly difficult as the region works to rebuild its travel sector. The financial fallout for small businesses could be significant.

Despite the hardship, stories of resilience emerged. The coordinated efforts of emergency services, military units, and local volunteers showcased a strong community spirit. This collaboration was vital in managing the crisis and providing aid.

The Hat Yai flood disaster serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power in a changing climate. The city’s path to recovery will require sustained effort and investment in resilient infrastructure to protect its people and economy in the future.

Info at your fingertips

Is Hat Yai Airport closed due to the flooding?

Hat Yai Airport remained open during the flooding. The main problem was road access. All major roads leading to and from the airport were submerged, making it impossible for most travelers to reach their flights.

How many people have been affected by the floods?

Official reports indicate the flooding has affected over 465,000 residents. The disaster spans 637 villages across 10 different districts in the Songkhla province, with Hat Yai being the most severely impacted urban center.

Where are the evacuation shelters located?

The primary evacuation shelter is at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), which can hold up to 5,000 people. Additional shelters have been established at Songkhla Rajabhat University and other government-designated backup sites throughout the city.

What caused such severe flooding in Hat Yai?

The disaster was triggered by a combination of relentless heavy rainfall and a powerful torrent of water that surged into the city from the Sadao district. This influx overwhelmed the Khlong R.1 and Khlong U-Taphao canals, causing them to burst their banks.

Are there any reports of casualties?

As of the latest reports from authorities, the focus has been on evacuation and damage. There have been no immediate official reports of fatalities directly linked to this specific flood event, but assessments are ongoing.