BANGKOK, THAILAND – Southern Thailand was inundated by floodwaters as authorities issued mass emergency alerts and suspended rail services across the region.
Cell broadcast alerts urged residents to move to higher ground
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) sent cell broadcast warnings on Saturday to all users of the AIS, True and NT networks.
“Move your belongings to higher ground!”
said the urgent instruction to residents in Narathiwat. People in low-lying areas along canals and rivers were described as being in serious danger, and evacuation to emergency shelters was recommended.
Hat Yai city swamped as canal levels kept rising
Almost at the same time, the major city of Hat Yai in Songkhla was hit by flooding, with water levels in the U-taphao canal rising relentlessly.
“Prepare for higher and more widespread flooding,”
said the second emergency message of the day. Authorities called on residents to move vehicles to safety immediately and bring people at risk straight to designated shelters.
Ten southern rail services cancelled as tracks went under water
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) cancelled 10 train services in the south after water rose above the tracks.
“Between Wat Khuan Meed and Chana stations, the tracks are no longer passable,”
said the railway operator. Key express and rapid trains between Bangkok and southern border towns were affected, with services to remain suspended until conditions improved.
Express, rapid and local trains among the affected routes
Cancelled services included Special Express trains No. 31/32, 37/38 and 45/46, as well as Rapid trains No. 169-172. Local trains such as Local No. 447/448 and 445/446 were also partially or completely suspended. Passengers who had already purchased tickets were entitled to a full refund at any station nationwide.
24-hour hotline and safety warnings for flood-hit residents
For emergencies, the DDPM set up a 24-hour hotline, offering assistance via the number 1784 or the Line account @1784DDPM. Authorities urged all affected people to keep electrical devices away from the water and to beware of electric shock. The situation remained tense as heavy rain continued without letup and flood levels kept rising.