HAT YAI – Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchu has issued an unprecedented mandatory evacuation order for all residents of Hat Yai district as the province faces its worst flooding in a quarter-century. The emergency declaration, announced Monday, mandates immediate relocation to designated shelters amid rapidly rising floodwaters fueled by heavy rainfall and runoff from neighboring Sadao district.

Flash Floods Strand Tourists in Hat Yai Hotels

The provincial government has activated emergency shelters at multiple major facilities including the Prince of Songkla University International Convention Center and Songkhla Rajabhat University auditorium. Military units, rescue teams, and volunteers are assisting with evacuations, prioritizing children, elderly residents, and those with medical conditions. All 16 districts of Songkhla have now been officially declared disaster zones.

SONGKHLA – The governor of this southern province ordered the total evacuation of Hat Yai district by Monday evening as flood levels continued to rise, boosted by record rainfall.

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— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) November 24, 2025

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, flood levels in Hat Yai are projected to reach 1.25-1.45 meters by Tuesday morning, potentially exceeding the devastating 2000 flood event. The crisis has already affected over 635,000 residents across 243,000 households, with one confirmed fatality. Mobile network operators have joined the emergency response, broadcasting mass evacuation alerts to all devices in the affected area. The regional meteorological center warns that heavy rainfall will continue through Tuesday, maintaining critical flood conditions throughout the region.

Fire Erupts in Flooded Hat Yai Commercial District, Trapping Dozens

Furthermore, a fire broke out in a commercial building in Hat Yai’s business district this morning, trapping approximately twenty people inside as historic flooding continues to paralyze the southern Thai city. The blaze on Niphat-uthis Road presented emergency crews with the dual challenge of fighting flames while navigating chest-deep floodwaters that prevented fire trucks from reaching the building.

Current visuals from Thung Sao Intersection in Hat Yai, Thailand are heartbreaking, as floodwaters keep rising and some people are trapped. pic.twitter.com/3NHuMSPVy3

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) November 24, 2025

Rescue workers attempted to reach the trapped individuals using flat-bottom boats, battling strong currents that have transformed streets into rivers. The fire erupted amid a large-scale evacuation operation already underway across Hat Yai, with emergency teams responding to multiple distress calls from residents in the Thammanoon-vithi and Sri Puvanart neighborhoods where waters continue to rise.

Severe Flooding Halts 10 Southern Train Services, Routes Adjusted

The crisis deepened with the discovery of one body floating in the floodwaters, though it remains unclear if the death is directly connected to the fire. Municipal authorities have prioritized evacuation efforts, directing residents to shelters at Prince of Songkla University where a central kitchen has been established. The city has issued a public appeal for raw food ingredients to support the growing number of displaced residents as the flood emergency continues to unfold.

-Thailand News (TN)