PM Anutin’s Fourth Trip Launches 8B Baht Flood Relief in Hat Yai

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul touched down in Hat Yai for the fourth time this month, determined to sharpen Thailand’s flood response as waters continue to menace southern communities. In total, the government has earmarked 8.55 billion baht for flood relief in Hat Yai and surrounding southern provinces.

A Southern Hub Under StrainHat Yai, Songkhla’s vibrant commercial center, has become the focal point of successive high-level missions. Anutin’s latest journey reflects both the escalating human toll—with more than 110 lives lost across the province—and the government’s urgency to restore normalcy. Alongside key ministers, he convened at Sena Narong Fort, the Army Circle’s command post, before venturing into the hardest-hit neighborhoods.

Battling the Flood in Khet PaedWhile most streets now resemble drained canals, the area known locally as Khet Paed (เขตแปด, ‘District 8’) remains submerged under lingering floodwaters. Rescue workers report isolated pockets where residents have resorted to intimidation, firing warning shots to keep relief teams at bay. These incidents, coupled with reports of looting at corner shops, underscore a security challenge complicating relief operations. Anutin declined to comment on allegations of criminal networks but pledged to “address any remaining needs” and accelerate support to stranded households.

Coordinated Relief at Full ThrottleSince the Cabinet declared Songkhla a disaster zone on November 25, multiple agencies have mobilized. The Army has deployed helicopters and boats for urgent evacuations of the elderly and infirm; the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has opened field command centers; and health teams stand ready with mobile clinics. Anutin emphasized that integrated command across ministries will reduce duplication and speed deliveries of food, medicine and temporary shelter.

Financing Recovery and RebuildingA relief package totaling 4.75 billion baht has been earmarked for Songkhla, while an additional 3.8 billion baht fund covers six southern provinces. Short-term cash disbursements aim to secure daily necessities, and 0% interest loans are available to repair homes and small businesses. Longer-term plans envision community-led projects to restore livelihoods and strengthen flood defenses along the Khlong U-Tapao basin. Private insurers have been pressed to expedite claims, and provincial governors can tap an extra 100 million baht emergency reserve to address local gaps.

Expert Reflections on Future ResilienceHydrology specialists warn that this deluge—330 millimeters in a single day, the heaviest in 300 years—was magnified by urban sprawl and outdated warning systems. Dr. Sonti Kachawat from Thammasat University critiques the current network of 48 agencies for its fragmented decision-making, calling for a unified water authority to oversee everything from forecasting to land-use planning. Satellite-based Cell Broadcast alerts, he argues, must replace the patchy SMS system to reach remote villages instantly.

Professor Weerasak Jaratsachai, a forensic expert, underscores the need for community drills and emergency stockpiles, urging residents to develop localized evacuation maps. These measures, he insists, will shift Thailand’s posture from reactive rescue to proactive prevention.

The Road AheadAs skies clear temporarily, Hat Yai’s streets reveal the full scale of damage: cracked roads, waterlogged markets and makeshift shelters dotting empty yards. Anutin’s visit signals a turning point—one that demands swift action now and sustained reforms later. For southern households, that means not just pumps and sandbags, but smarter planning and stronger institutions to withstand the next storm.