HAT YAI, Thailand – Hat Yai is facing its most severe flooding in a generation, prompting Songkhla’s governor to issue an immediate mass evacuation order as water levels continue to surge and heavy rainfall shows no sign of easing today.
The unprecedented directive, announced Monday, requires all residents in Hat Yai District—particularly those in the hardest-hit municipal Zones 3 and 4—to relocate to government-designated shelters without delay. Authorities warn floodwaters could rise to 1.25–1.45 meters by early Tuesday, surpassing the destructive floods of 2000.
A Crisis Fueled by “300-Year Rain”
Meteorologists have confirmed that Hat Yai experienced what is classified as a “300-year rain event,” an extremely rare level of rainfall with just a 0.33% chance of occurring in any year. The massive runoff from Sadao and the U-Tapao River basin has overwhelmed drainage systems, rapidly inundating communities, commercial zones, and critical infrastructure.
Hospitals across the district are now reporting fuel shortages for generators, while food supplies in the city’s business center continue to dwindle as transportation routes remain cut off.
All of Songkhla Declared a Disaster Zone
The Songkhla Public Relations Office reports that all 16 districts of the province have been declared disaster zones, with floods affecting:
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115 sub-districts
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821 villages and 167 communities
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More than 243,000 households
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Over 635,000 people
At least 1,224 residents have already been evacuated, and one fatality has been confirmed.
Evacuation Efforts Intensify
Emergency shelters—now operating at full capacity—include:
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Prince of Songkla University International Convention Center (Hat Yai)
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Songkhla Rajabhat University Auditorium (Mueang Songkhla)
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Royal Thai Navy’s Second Naval Area Command
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Technical Promotion and Support Office, Region 11
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Songkhla Business Administration College
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Thaksin University, Songkhla Campus
Military units, rescue volunteers, and humanitarian teams led by well-known activist Bindt Bunluerit are deploying flat-bottom boats to reach residents stranded in submerged neighborhoods. Priority evacuations are underway for children, the elderly, patients, and people with disabilities.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), in coordination with AIS, True, and NT, has issued cell broadcast alerts directing all Hat Yai residents to relocate immediately.
Special Airport Shuttles Activated
With major roads blocked, authorities have activated special shuttle services from Hat Yai International Airport:
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Wing 56: Airport – Thai Watsadu Mall – Airport
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42nd Military Circle: Sena Narong Camp – Lopburi Ramesuan Road – Hat Yai Airport
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Songkhla Highway District 1: District Office – PTT Khlong Wong – Hat Yai Airport
Additional pickup points and assistance vehicles are on standby.
Residents Urged to Take Immediate Action
Provincial officials stress that the situation remains volatile, with more rain forecast through Tuesday and continued risks of flash floods and landslides in low-lying and hillside communities.
The governor has reiterated: “Preserving life is our highest priority.”
Emergency Contacts
Residents requiring urgent help may contact:
DDPM Hotline: 1784 (24 hours)
DDPM LINE: @1784DDPM
Songkhla Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office: 081-990-4294
Additional Military Emergency Assistance
The Forward Command of the 4th Army Disaster Relief Center at Sena Narong Camp has activated multiple emergency phone lines to support residents requesting urgent evacuation or aid. Military personnel are staffed around the clock to respond to calls.
24-Hour Emergency Lines:
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074-232145-8
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098-223-3364
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061-586-5574
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074-586685
Airports
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Hat Yai International Airport: 074-227-000, 074-227-001 to 3
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Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport: 075-450-545
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Surat Thani Airport: 077-441-230
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Trang Airport: 075-572-152 to 4
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Narathiwat Airport: 073-511-161
Airlines
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Thai Airways: 02-356-1111
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Nok Air: 1318
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Bangkok Airways: 1771 or 02-270-6699
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Thai Lion Air: 02-529-9999
Train Services
Passengers can check route suspensions and service adjustments at:
https://ttsview.railway.co.th/v3/floodingNST/
Or call the SRT Hotline: 1690
General Assistance
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TAT Call Center – 1672 Travel Buddy
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Tourist Police Hotline: 1155
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Songkhla Provincial Tourist Assistance Center: 074-311-573
This news update is part of our continuing coverage of the Southern Thailand flood crisis. Stay connected for live reports, travel advisories, and updates from affected districts.