HAT YAI, Thailand – Minister of Tourism and Sports Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn conducted a late-night inspection in Hat Yai on November 22 to assist Thai and foreign tourists stranded by extensive flooding in Songkhla Province. Severe flooding across inner commercial districts, residential areas, and surrounding communities has left many visitors unable to leave the city.
The Minister met with related agencies to coordinate immediate assistance measures and directed all sectors to urgently deliver food and drinking water to stranded tourists staying in hotels. He also instructed officials to respond swiftly to any requests from foreign consulates and to provide prompt updates.
The Minister also ordered the creation of an assistance point at Hat Yai International Airport, with Tourist Police and TAC officers on duty to receive reports and help travelers. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure tourist safety.
Minister Attakorn reported that high water levels have left several hundred tourists stranded in their hotels, as standard vehicles are unable to reach the area. He said Deputy Prime Minister Capt. Thamanat Prompow, who supervises the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has instructed all agencies to intensify monitoring efforts. The Royal Irrigation Department has dispatched ten-wheel trucks to deliver food, drinking water, and transport stranded visitors to evacuation sites or the airport, with Tourist Police working around the clock.
The Minister said that restricted access to Hat Yai city could leave 800–1,000 passengers stranded at the airport for the next two to three days. In response, the Ministry has coordinated with the airport to supply drinking water, meals, and basic hygiene items, while reinforcing first-aid and sanitation services. Tourist Police and TAC staff have been placed on 24-hour duty to ensure continuous assistance.
The Minister expressed confidence that the situation may begin to improve within 2 to 3 days, provided no additional heavy rainfall occurs, allowing drainage operations to operate at full capacity. (NNT)
