Royal Aid Extended to Flood-Stricken Southern Thailand
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has graciously intervened to support flood recovery efforts in southern Thailand, announcing a significant donation of 100 million baht for the restoration of Hat Yai Hospital. The royal assistance also includes comprehensive support for the funerals of those who lost their lives in the devastating floods, underscoring the monarch's deep concern for his subjects.
The King's message, conveyed through Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on November 29, 2025, expressed profound condolences to the families of the deceased and offered moral support to the medical personnel, officials, and volunteers engaged in relief operations.
Hat Yai Hospital Faces Extensive Damage
The recent severe flooding has inflicted immense damage across southern Thailand, with Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province being particularly hard-hit. Hat Yai Hospital, a critical healthcare facility, suffered extensive structural and equipment damage, with estimated losses exceeding one billion baht.
Water levels in the hospital reportedly reached over 3 meters, rendering four out of five major hospitals in Hat Yai inoperable due to submerged critical areas such as patient rooms, diagnostic imaging departments, and essential utility systems. The King's 100 million baht donation is specifically earmarked for the hospital's recovery and the procurement of new medical devices to replace those destroyed by the floods. Dr. Wiroj Yommuang, Director of Hat Yai Hospital, was granted a royal audience to receive the donation.
Royal Sponsorship for Flood Victims' Funerals
Beyond the hospital's restoration, King Maha Vajiralongkorn has extended royal sponsorship for the funerals of all individuals who perished in the floods. This includes the provision of burial soil and financial assistance of 20,000 baht for each affected family. This gesture aims to alleviate the burden on families grappling with loss during this challenging period.
Widespread Impact and Government Response
The floods, triggered by heavy rains, have affected more than 1.4 million households and approximately 3.8 million people across 12 southern provinces. The death toll has risen to at least 162, with Songkhla province recording a significant number of fatalities.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged shortcomings in the government's initial flood management and outlined recovery and compensation plans, including debt suspension and short-term, interest-free loans. In further support of relief efforts, His Majesty the King also provided unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to the Royal Thai Armed Forces for search operations and food transport in the affected southern regions.
5 Comments
Donatello
This royal assistance is a positive step in a devastating situation, offering comfort to many. Still, the underlying issue of severe flooding affecting so many provinces points to a larger national infrastructure and climate change challenge that requires sustained public investment.
Leonardo
A small fraction of his wealth, yet presented as immense generosity. Questionable priorities.
Michelangelo
The King's gesture of providing drones and financial aid shows a level of concern. Yet, with 1.4 million households affected, the overall response needs to be a massive, coordinated effort beyond individual donations.
Muchacha
While the King's donation is certainly welcome and will help many, the sheer scale of the damage suggests much more comprehensive, long-term government planning is needed to prevent future disasters.
Mariposa
A truly compassionate gesture from His Majesty. This will make a huge difference for Hat Yai Hospital!