BANGKOK, THAILAND – More than 1.47 million people were at risk as severe flooding swept across large parts of Thailand, inundating southern, northern and central provinces.
Southern provinces under water
Ten southern provinces, including Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, were reported to be flooded as the disaster management department said the situation was out of control. Authorities stated that Nakhon Si Thammarat was among the hardest hit, with almost 200,000 households affected. According to officials, water levels continued to rise in all areas except Surat Thani and Krabi.
Rain to continue, wider regions affected
The Thai meteorological agency warned that heavy rain would persist until Monday, with only slight improvement expected thereafter. At the same time, eleven additional provinces in northern and central Thailand were also battling floods, including Phitsanulok and Nakhon Sawan in the north. An official report noted that overflowing waterways were still causing flooding, while the situation in Phitsanulok remained stable.
Air travel disrupted, Thai Airways offers leniency
National carrier Thai Airways responded to the crisis with special measures for passengers holding Hat Yai tickets for travel between 22 and 30 November.
“We offer rebookings without fees and full refunds,”
said Thai Airways, adding that affected passengers could change their travel dates free of charge until 30 November. New flights had to be taken by 15 December, or passengers could opt for domestic travel vouchers valid for one year.
Communities cut off and in need
In Nakhon Si Thammarat, a total of 23 districts were under water, while in Songkhla some 190,757 families were struggling to cope. Roads were impassable and thousands of people were cut off from the outside world as rescue teams worked around the clock.
“People urgently need help,”
said a disaster relief worker, warning that supplies of food and drinking water were becoming increasingly critical.
Advice and support for travellers
Thai Airways advised all affected passengers to contact its 24-hour hotline at 0-2356-1111, noting that travel agencies could also apply the special conditions. The airline apologised for the inconvenience and stressed that passenger safety was its top priority. Many tourists were stranded in flooded areas while authorities worked on evacuation plans.
Government on alert as pressure mounts
The Thai government had not yet declared a nationwide state of emergency, but the situation remained extremely tense.
“We are monitoring developments minute by minute,”
said a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, adding that the army was on standby. For the 1.47 million people affected, the crisis had become a race against time, with every additional hour of rain worsening the disaster.