BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Industry Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana has instructed all relevant agencies to closely monitor the severe flooding in Songkhla Province and work with provincial authorities to minimize disruption to residents, businesses, and industrial facilities.
The Minister added that the directive reflects instructions from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who assigned the Ministry of Industry to oversee the situation in Songkhla Province. Nearly all districts are affected by the flooding, with water levels in parts of Hat Yai city reaching 1–2 meters and severely affecting residents and businesses. In response, the Songkhla Provincial Industry Office has deployed officials to gather initial information, especially regarding risks to industrial facilities and mining sites.
According to Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo, the floods have affected 14 districts, 63 subdistricts, 282 villages, 18,275 households, and 47,375 people. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Damage includes one house destroyed, three partially damaged, one subdistrict health-promoting hospital, and six roads.
Authorities have installed water pumps and are working urgently to lower water levels. Temporary shelters have been set up for residents whose homes were destroyed, while district and local administrative bodies are assisting families in relocating their belongings to higher ground. Highway police and regional organizations are also helping manage traffic in flood-affected areas.
Despite these efforts, continuous rainfall and rising water levels in several waterways remain a concern. The Minister emphasized that the situation requires around-the-clock surveillance, particularly in high-risk zones.
Thanakorn has instructed all departments under the Ministry of Industry to issue warnings to factories and mining operators in vulnerable areas and to ensure they closely follow official updates. Facilities must prepare protective measures to prevent or reduce damage should floodwaters enter operational sites. The Ministry is also preparing relief measures to assist affected businesses. (NNT)
