Hat Yai Floods Cripple Southern Thailand Tourism; Malaysian Travelers Cancel All Trips Amid Safety Concerns

Southern Thailand Floods Impact Tourism and Daily Life in Hat Yai

Southern Thailand's popular tourist hub, Hat Yai, is grappling with severe flooding, casting a dark cloud over its vital tourism sector. The escalating crisis has prompted the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to issue a stark warning, anticipating a complete halt in travel plans for Malaysian tourists heading south this week.

Widespread Cancellations Expected

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool confirmed that over the past weekend, approximately 15 Malaysian travel operators – encompassing tour companies, agencies, and independent traveler groups – reached out to TAT with urgent inquiries about the worsening flood situation, particularly in Hat Yai. This surge in concern has led TAT to foresee comprehensive cancellations of Malaysian trips to southern Thai destinations this week, driven by the prolonged flooding and growing safety fears.

Malaysian Media Amplifies Concerns

The gravity of the situation has been widely reported across Malaysian mainstream media. Continuous coverage, spanning television, online news, and social media platforms, has highlighted the flood crisis and the predicament of Malaysian tourists stranded in Hat Yai. This extensive reporting has naturally fueled public worry, prompting the Malaysian government to issue an official flood warning. Citizens are now advised to avoid non-essential travel to southern Thailand, resulting in an immediate downturn in travel demand and a probable short-term suspension of trips.

Days of Deluge and Stranded Travelers

Reports from Malaysian media between November 21 and 24 detailed the relentless heavy rainfall that battered Hat Yai and surrounding areas for days. This caused sudden flash floods and a rapid surge in water levels, directly impacting both local Thais and foreign visitors, including many Malaysians. Numerous individuals found themselves stranded in hotels or unable to safely evacuate.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates around 4,000 Malaysian nationals are currently in the flood-affected zones of Hat Yai and nearby regions. Reassuringly, authorities have confirmed that all these individuals remain safe. While many stranded Malaysians in hotels and local accommodations have received essential food and assistance, some reports suggest a need to ration supplies due to inaccessible or closed shops. Power outages and communication disruptions have also been reported in certain areas.

Consular Efforts and Hospital Resilience

The Malaysian Consulate in Songkhla, the province where Hat Yai is situated, is actively collaborating with Thai local authorities to facilitate the evacuation and relocation of affected tourists. Malaysian nationals who are stranded have been advised by the consulate to await instructions in hotel lobbies to streamline evacuation procedures.

Adding to the region's woes, Hat Yai Hospital, a critical medical hub, has also been impacted. On November 24, its official Facebook page issued an urgent notice after floodwaters infiltrated parts of the hospital compound. The public was advised to opt for telemedicine services for safety as conditions deteriorated, with the hospital signaling potential further adjustments to its services.

A Beacon of Hope: Hospital Staff's Dedication

Amidst these challenging circumstances, a powerful and moving story emerged online. Paseeyah Thoh, a medical staff member at Hat Yai Hospital, shared poignant photos and a message on Facebook. Her post, addressed to her parents, conveyed the unwavering commitment of the medical team:

“Mum and Dad, please don’t worry. We’ll take good care of them. Even without electricity and water, we’ll still look after them as best as we can. We care for every patient as if they were our own children. The little ones have been incredibly patient. Not a complaint from them.”

This heartfelt message quickly garnered widespread attention, attracting thousands of likes, shares, and messages of support, with many commending the staff’s immense sacrifice and compassion in the face of adversity.