Southern Thailand Floods: Death Toll Reaches 162 as Recovery Efforts Begin

Catastrophic Flooding Claims 162 Lives in Southern Thailand

The death toll from severe flooding across southern Thailand has tragically risen to 162, as rescue and relief operations continue amidst widespread devastation. Songkhla province has been identified as the hardest-hit region, accounting for 126 of the confirmed fatalities. The floods, which began with torrential rains around November 19, 2025, have impacted over 1.4 million households and approximately 3.8 million people across 12 southern provinces.

Widespread Impact and Record Rainfall

The catastrophic flooding was primarily caused by a powerful monsoon trough and a low-pressure cell, exacerbated by rare storms in the Malacca Strait. The city of Hat Yai, a major urban center in Songkhla province, experienced its heaviest single-day rainfall in 300 years on November 21, 2025, recording 335 mm. The accumulated rainfall over three days, from November 19-21, reached an unprecedented 630 mm, surpassing the historic 2010 Hat Yai flood levels.

Beyond Songkhla, other provinces have also reported significant casualties:

• Nakhon Si Thammarat: 9 deaths
• Pattani: 7 deaths
• Satun: 5 deaths
• Yala: 5 deaths
• Phatthalung: 4 deaths
• Narathiwat: 4 deaths
• Trang: 2 deaths

The deluge has led to widespread disruptions, leaving thousands stranded, rendering streets impassable, and submerging low-rise buildings and vehicles. Critical infrastructure has been damaged, and transport links severely disrupted, with some areas experiencing power outages and communication interruptions. In Hat Yai, the sheer volume of casualties led to hospital morgues exceeding capacity.

Government Response and Recovery Efforts

In response to the crisis, the Thai government declared a state of emergency in Songkhla province. Rescue and relief teams have been mobilized, utilizing military and civilian boats to reach isolated communities and establish emergency shelters. In Songkhla, food centers are distributing up to 20,000 food boxes daily to flood victims.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged 'shortcomings' in the government's flood management and has outlined plans for recovery and compensation. These measures include debt suspension and short-term, interest-free loans for affected businesses and home repairs. Local officials have also been replaced following criticism regarding the handling of the disaster. While water levels began to recede in most affected provinces on Saturday, November 29, 2025, the scale of the damage, described as one of the worst floods in a decade and the worst in 25 years, underscores the long road to recovery.