HAT YAI, THAILAND – Deadly floods, viral misinformation and a gun incident during a rescue operation strained authorities and residents across southern Thailand.
Rivers rose and disaster agency warned of flash floods
The Thai disaster prevention authority warned of imminent flooding along the Pattani River in Yala as water levels kept rising after days of heavy rain, urging residents in the provincial capital to prepare for immediate evacuation. Districts along the Golok River in Narathiwat, including Sungai Kolok, Sungai Padi, Takbai and Waeng, were also placed on alert for further surges and flash floods.
Officials issued a clear message to communities at risk:
“Move your vehicles and valuables to safety – now!”
said the authorities. Southern Thailand was experiencing one of its most severe flood disasters in recent years, with 33 people reported dead and about 2.7 million residents affected, while rescue services operated at full stretch.
Hospital in Hat Yai fought viral claims over deaths
Amid the chaos, a Facebook post sparked panic by alleging that “over 100 patients” had died at Hat Yai Hospital after ventilators failed during a power cut, and accusing officials of a cover-up. Relatives endured sleepless nights as the claim spread rapidly online.
The hospital responded with an official statement rejecting the allegations:
“Please do not spread fake news!”
said the hospital. It reported that 27 bodies had been in the pathology department before the flood, with 14 further deaths between 22 and 25 November, mostly elderly or critically ill patients, bringing the total to 41 bodies, all properly refrigerated and managed, adding:
“We care for all patients with full dedication.”
said the clinic.
Food shortage rumours denied by health ministry
Further tension arose when online rumours claimed medical staff had run out of food, alarming families and patients. The Health Ministry firmly rejected this, stating that supplies were secure and staff were still able to cook.
To prevent shortages, Songkhla Hospital delivered 1,000 meal boxes per day to Hat Yai, according to officials. The ministry also dismissed reports that “80 flood victims’ bodies” were being kept at the hospital in Hat Yai, calling them false.
Shots reportedly fired as rescue frustration boiled over
While misinformation spread, the situation in Hat Yai escalated when a man stranded in floodwaters allegedly fired three shots into the air during a rescue operation, reportedly out of frustration that he was not evacuated quickly enough. A volunteer from Surat Thani, using a jet ski, described the scene on Facebook:
“I suddenly heard gunshots behind me – I was shocked.”
said the volunteer. He said he had distributed 300 meal boxes that were consumed in only a few houses where many people had gathered.
The gunman later reportedly pressured rescuers by phone, demanding to be picked up immediately. His identity remained unknown, and the incident caused widespread dismay among those involved in the relief effort.
Rescue teams under pressure as tempers flared
Jury Noomkaew, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, confirmed the shooting incident and reported growing aggression among some residents. He said another local resident had even thrown objects at him during operations.
Jury explained that rescue teams had to prioritise families without food, bedridden patients and small children, even as others watched boats pass by without understanding why. Videos on TikTok showed people calling for help while emergency crews struggled against powerful currents, with rescuers saying:
“We want to help everyone, but the volume of water makes it almost impossible.”
said the rescue workers.