Hat Yai Flood Crisis: 4,000 Malaysians Affected but Reported Safe as Authorities Step Up Support
The flood emergency in Hat Yai has triggered a high-impact operational scenario across southern Thailand, with approximately 4,000 Malaysians caught in the disruption. While the situation remains challenging on the ground, official channels confirm that all Malaysian nationals identified so far are safe, as coordinated relief and support mechanisms continue to scale up.
Hat Yai floodwaters reached up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in depth and According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 4,000 Malaysians are currently in Hatyai and nearby areas affected by the flooding.
Flood Situation in Hat Yai
Sustained heavy rainfall over the weekend pushed water levels across major districts in Hat Yai and surrounding parts of Songkhla province to critical levels. Core tourism and commercial zones were inundated, restricting mobility, disrupting essential services and straining accommodation facilities housing thousands of Malaysian holiday-makers.
Transport operations, local markets and ground-level businesses faced prolonged downtime, while hotels in heavily impacted zones saw their entrances and surrounding roads submerged.
4,000 Malaysians Affected
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that nearly 4,000 Malaysians in Hat Yai and nearby districts have been impacted by the floods. The majority are tourists staying in multi-storey hotels that remain structurally safe, though several reported challenges such as limited food access, temporary power interruptions and water-supply constraints.
Authorities have emphasised that, despite the severity of the flooding, there have been no reports of Malaysian casualties.
On-Ground Challenges
Several travellers shared accounts of wading through high water levels to purchase food, while others reported being unable to leave their hotels due to waist-high flooding outside. With ground logistics disrupted, many were advised to remain in hotel lobbies or safe zones as a precautionary measure.
Hotel operators have activated contingency protocols, distributing meals where possible and coordinating closely with local agencies to maintain guest safety.
Authorities Mobilise Response Efforts
The Malaysian Consulate-General in Songkhla has activated a dedicated crisis-response team to monitor affected individuals, provide assistance and relay updates. This includes:
- Direct engagement with Malaysian groups in the city
- Coordination with Thai emergency agencies
- Support for food delivery and essential supplies
- Step-by-step planning for evacuation where necessary
The Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok is also working in tandem with the Consulate, ensuring a unified operational framework that aligns with Thai authorities’ disaster-management efforts.
Weather Outlook and Recovery Timeline
Meteorological projections indicate that heavy rainfall will ease, with flood levels expected to recede progressively. This may unlock key transport routes and support the gradual return of stranded travellers to Malaysia. However, authorities warn that recovery will be phased, with some areas expected to remain waterlogged temporarily.
Advice to Malaysians in Hat Yai
Travellers are urged to:
- Stay inside safe accommodations
- Monitor real-time updates from the Consulate and local authorities
- Avoid moving through flooded zones unless absolutely necessary
- Keep essential documents, power banks and communication devices accessible
Consular hotlines remain active for Malaysians requiring assistance.
Industry & Travel Impact
From a broader tourism standpoint, the Hat Yai flood crisis highlights the need for resilient travel-risk frameworks, especially in cross-border leisure destinations with high Malaysian traffic. Travel agencies, hoteliers and transport operators are now reviewing their crisis-management and guest-support playbooks to enhance readiness for similar events.
Emergency Contact
- 098-223-3364
- 061-586-5574
- 074-586-685
- 074-232-145 to 8
- Hat Yai City Municipality: 074-200-000
- Kho Hong Town Municipality: 074-280-004
- Khlong Hae Town Municipality: 074-305-343
- Nam Noi Sub-district Municipality: 074-333-222
- Khuan Lang Town Municipality: 074-552-412
- Khlong Ngae Sub-district Municipality: 074-541-543
- Prik Sub-district Municipality: 074-298-015
- Phatong Sub-district Municipality: 074-291-999
- Sadao Sub-district Municipality: 074-411-015
- Khu Tao Sub-district Municipality: 081-277-1447
The Hat Yai flood has emerged as a significant disruption affecting thousands of Malaysians abroad. Yet, with consolidated action from local Thai authorities, Malaysia’s diplomatic network and community-driven support on the ground, affected travellers remain safe. As water levels begin to recede, efforts are intensifying to facilitate movement, restore essential services and ensure a structured return for those waiting to travel home.
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