Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has publicly apologised for the government’s failure in managing the catastrophic floods in Hat Yai, acknowledging its responsibility and pledging to restore normality for affected residents as swiftly as possible. During his fourth visit to the stricken city in a week, the Prime Minister faced complaints from locals about the state’s ineffective crisis response.

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“We must accept it because the mistake happened during a situation like this. We have to let people vent and apologise to them,” Anutin stated, addressing the public’s frustration. He emphasised that the government must listen and take responsibility for the distress caused. “Everyone is stressed,” he said, adding, “we must apologise for forcing people to leave their homes and live like this.”

His apology was made tangible when a woman trapped in her home without aid confronted him; the Prime Minister responded with a respectful “wai” and a direct apology for the failure to assist her.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul apologises for not protecting citizens during the Hat Yai floods and outlines plans for financial aid, loans, and recovery measures for affected residents. #flood #Hatyaihttps://t.co/szyp8odAt0

— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) November 29, 2025

The flooding, described as the worst in 25 years, has claimed 110 lives in Songkhla province alone. During a visit to Prince of Songkhla Hospital, where victims’ bodies are held, Anutin confirmed the government’s immediate priority is recovery. He announced a compensation package of 2 million baht for each fatality, with funds already allocated. In a significant policy decision, he stated that all deaths occurring during the flood emergency would be considered flood-related and eligible for compensation, affirming a humanitarian approach that avoids bureaucratic categorization.

Looking ahead, the government’s focus will shift to large-scale cleaning and repairs. Anutin outlined immediate relief measures, including initial payments of 9,000 baht per household to be disbursed next week, followed by debt moratoria and interest-free loans of up to 100,000 baht per household.

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The recovery efforts are set against a backdrop of security concerns. When asked about the volatile situation in Hat Yai’s Zone 8—where rescue teams were previously shot at and, in a new incident, reportedly surrounded and robbed at gunpoint—Anutin said he acknowledged sporadic tension but assured that police were present to maintain order. He stressed that authorities must now concentrate solely on improving conditions for all residents.

-Thailand News (TN)