UPDATE: The National Water Information Institute has warned that flooding in Hat Yai is expected to worsen and expand into neighboring provinces, including Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, due to continued upstream water flow and rainfall forecasted to exceed 200 mm per day. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces because of access challenges. The Department of State has also advised U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces. (See Thailand Travel Advisory).
Severe flooding following more than 600 mm of rainfall over three days and water levels reaching up to 2.5 meters has prompted the governor of Songkhla province to order all residents in the Hat Yai district to evacuate immediately. Hat Yai Airport remains operational, though surrounding routes are affected, and officials are coordinating with tourist police and agencies to provide evacuation assistance, food, and water. Evacuation centers are open at the International Convention Center of Prince of Songkla University, the Songkhla Rajabhat University auditorium, and the Royal Thai Navy’s Naval Area Command 2. Search and rescue teams are currently focusing on vulnerable groups. Support is available via the 1784 disaster hotline and the tourist police at 1155.
We urge U.S. citizens to avoid the affected areas and follow the directions of local authorities. If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities. We will continue to provide information to U.S. citizens through Alerts, our embassy and consulate websites, and travel.state.gov.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid flooded areas and follow the directions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- If living in high-risk areas, make contingency plans to leave if directed by local authorities.
- Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Thai visa.
- Check your email regularly for further alerts.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Bangkok
- +66 02-205-4000
- ACSBKK@state.gov
- https://th.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs: 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
- Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Receive alerts from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs via WhatsApp.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X. Visit travel.state.gov and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand website.