Hat Yai issues red-flag alert as floods surpass 2010 levels; Malaysia urges caution

Hat Yai Municipality has issued a red-flag flood alert, urging immediate evacuation from 103 communities as record-breaking rainfall has pushed flood levels beyond those recorded during the severe floods of 2000 and 2010.

As of 22 November 2025, 595 millimetres of rain have fallen in just three days, exceeding the 497 mm recorded in 2000 and the 516 mm in 2010. Authorities warn that the situation may deteriorate further, with runoff overwhelming key canals and flooding parts of Hat Yai’s inner city.

Emergency measures and evacuations underway

Hat Yai Mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung, who also heads the Flood Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre, announced the red-flag alert through Statement No. 5 at 08.00 on Saturday. The alert warns of dangerously high water levels and urges residents to relocate to higher ground or emergency shelters.

The worst-affected locations include Saeng Sri Road, Kim Yong Market, and major commercial zones. Khlong Rian 2 Road, Rat Uthit Road, and parts of Kanjanavanich Road near Songkhla School for the Deaf are heavily submerged, hampering transport and disrupting daily life.

Kim Yong Market, a vital economic area in the city, has been inundated, prompting vendors to move goods to higher ground. The flooding also forced the early closure of the 43rd National Chamber of Commerce Seminar, which was being held at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Centre.

According to Poj Aramwattananont, Chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, efforts are underway to assist participants whose accommodations and travel plans were affected by flooding.

The evacuation order covers four risk zones comprising four zones, 103 communities.

Residents are urged to move belongings to higher ground and follow real-time updates from the municipality. Emergency response teams remain on standby to assist those needing transport or aid.

Basin overflow and canal surges worsen flooding

Floodwaters are primarily the result of overflow from the U-Ta Khao basin, with severe impact noted on Hat Yai’s eastern side. The basins of Khao Kho Hong, Khlong Plo, and Khlong Rian are at capacity. Authorities have begun releasing water from the overfilled Khlong Rian retention area to prevent damage to embankments.

This overflow, combined with already high levels in Khlong Hwa—currently at 11.08 metres, compared with 10.14 metres in 2024—is fuelling flash floods into residential areas such as Chanprateep, Chanwirot, Channiwet, and Rattanawiboon.

Floodwaters have spread through the canal and drainage network, rapidly entering Hat Yai’s inner roads and underpasses, including Road 1, Road 2, Road 3, the Sanehanusorn area, and the Sri Phuwanart underpass.

Malaysia issues travel warning to its citizens

In response to the worsening flood situation, the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla has issued an advisory urging all Malaysian citizens to delay travel to southern Thailand.

According to a statement by Consul General Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, Malaysians in the region should remain alert, monitor weather advisories, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.

For consular assistance, Malaysian nationals may contact +66 81 990 1930 or email [email protected].

Broader regional concerns

The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has also issued warnings for other southern provinces, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, Trang, and Satun. These areas face continued risks of flooding and landslides due to persistent rainfall.

With key transportation links blocked and floodwaters still rising, emergency services are racing to provide aid and prevent further damage across the southern provinces.