Thailand Grapples with Historic Flooding in Songkhla Province, Hat Yai District Hardest Hit
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A catastrophic flood event is unfolding in Thailand’s Songkhla province, with the Hat Yai district bearing the brunt of the devastation. As of November 26, 2025, authorities report that over 830,000 people have been affected, more than 10,600 have been evacuated, and tragically, five lives have been lost. The scale of the disaster has prompted the government to declare a “highest level” state of emergency.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Rising Waters
Heavy to very heavy rainfall, compounded by runoff from the upstream Sadao District, has overwhelmed the region. Water levels in some areas of Hat Yai District have surged to between 1 and 4 meters, crippling transportation and inundating homes. The Songkhla Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division, reporting data as of November 25, 2025, at 12:00 AM, confirmed the severity of the situation.
Widespread Impact Across Songkhla Province
The flooding extends across 16 districts, encompassing 118 sub-districts, 909 villages, and 252 communities. A total of 320,715 households – representing 836,206 individuals – are currently impacted. Officials state this crisis surpasses the severity of the 2010 floods, marking a new benchmark for disaster response in the region. The number of displaced persons continues to climb, with 10,609 people currently residing in temporary shelters.
Hat Yai District Faces the Greatest Strain
Hat Yai District is experiencing the most acute effects of the flooding, sheltering a staggering 8,750 evacuees. Fatalities have been confirmed in Hat Yai, Bang Klam, Saba Yoi, Na Thawi, and Singhanakhon districts. Evacuees are finding refuge in various locations, including Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Thaksin University, Thesaban 4 Khlongrian School, Thaksinkhadi Suksa Institute, Office of Academic Promotion and Support 11, and the Southern Women and Family Development Learning Center.
Massive Relief Effort Underway
A coordinated response involving the military, civilian agencies, and local administrative organizations is delivering critical aid. The effort includes the deployment of 83 lift trucks, 86 water pumps, 44 barges, 21 rubber boats, 74 large trucks, two amphibious vehicles, and seven helicopters for rescue and supply missions. To date, relief efforts have distributed 121,439 boxes of lunch, 112,310 sets of drinking water, 35,433 survival kits, and 12,833 sets of medicine. A royal kitchen and five joint military field kitchens, operated with the Security Guard at the 42nd Military Circle, are producing thousands of meals daily for those stranded in affected areas.
Government Declares Emergency Decree, Mobilizes National Resources
The Thai government has invoked an emergency decree to expedite the response and has elevated the disaster level to its highest designation (Level 4). This action empowers the Commander-in-Chief to integrate forces from across the country to provide immediate assistance to Songkhla Province. “This is an all-hands-on-deck situation,” a senior official stated.
Logistics Breakdown Creates Secondary Crisis
While rescue and relief efforts are focused on flooded areas, reports indicate a growing shortage of food, rice, and cooking supplies in unaffected regions, including Songkhla city and Sadao City. Disruptions to the logistics network are hindering the replenishment of convenience stores and larger retail outlets, with officials estimating it may take at least five days to restore normal supply chains. .
