Key points
- Malaysia’s foreign ministry noted that up to 4,000 Malaysians in Hat Yai were impacted and advised citizens to stay alert in hotel lobbies for evacuation teams.
- The flooding serves as a warning that Thailand’s tourism hotspots must adapt quickly to the intensifying impacts of extreme weather to safeguard visitors and local communities in the years ahead.
- For the latest on crisis that Hotels in Hat Yai are facing, keep on logging to Thailand Hotel News.
Thailand Hotel News: Rising Waters Paralyze One of Thailand’s Key Southern Destinations
Hat Yai descended into chaos over the weekend as severe flooding engulfed major hotels and key roads, forcing Thai authorities to evacuate more than 400 stranded tourists while heavy rains continued throughout Songkhla province. The widespread inundation shut off electricity in parts of the city, disrupted water and internet services and isolated entire hotel zones. This Thailand Hotel News report shows how rapidly the situation intensified and how urgently coordinated action was required to protect visitors.
Flooded Hat Yai hotels prompt urgent evacuations as authorities rush to assist stranded tourists.
Image Credit: Ahmad Nazrul/Facebook
Authorities Mobilize to Move Hundreds to Safety
Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol confirmed that multiple agencies worked hand in hand with hotel operators, local officials and foreign embassies to locate and rescue trapped visitors. The Royal Irrigation Department deployed heavy trucks to shuttle both foreign and Thai tourists from submerged hotel compounds to temporary shelters set up by Hat Yai Municipality. Officials reported that 402 tourists from 17 hotels were transported on Sunday alone, with some later taken to the bus terminal while Malaysian travellers were escorted directly to the Sadao border checkpoint to return home.
Flooding Threatens SEA Games Preparations and City Infrastructure
The extreme weather has also impacted preparations for the upcoming SEA Games scheduled for December 9 to 20. Songkhla, one of the three host provinces, has seen its planned Muay Thai venue affected by the floods, prompting authorities to activate backup locations. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 travellers across Hat Yai remain affected, including those near the airport, which continues to operate despite difficult access due to submerged roads.
Regional Consulates Issue Alerts as Situation Escalates
The Singapore Embassy, Malaysian Consulate and Indonesian Consulate have been updated regularly on conditions and ongoing evacuations. Malaysia’s foreign ministry noted that up to 4,000 Malaysians in Hat Yai were impacted and advised citizens to stay alert in hotel lobbies for evacuation teams. Singapore also urged its nationals to register for MFA alerts. Floods that began on November 19 have already affected more than 465,000 residents across 16 districts, making this one of the most severe crises the region has faced in recent years.
Ongoing Response and Future Concerns
With heavy rain expected to continue into Tuesday, Hat Yai remains classified as a red-flag disaster zone. Relief teams continue delivering food, water and essential items using trucks and boats to reach cut-off hotels. Even as the crisis unfolds, Hat Yai’s long-standing reputation as a top value destination remains strong, yet the disaster highlights the urgent need for more resilient infrastructure. The flooding serves as a warning that Thailand’s tourism hotspots must adapt quickly to the intensifying impacts of extreme weather to safeguard visitors and local communities in the years ahead.
For the latest on crisis that Hotels in Hat Yai are facing, keep on logging to Thailand Hotel News.
