Anutin Charnvirakul announced recovery plans after floods killed 162 in southern Thailand, with Songkhla worst hit.
By CNBCTV18 November 29, 2025, 4:31:21 PM IST (Published)
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday, November 29, outlined recovery and compensation plans for southern Thailand after severe flooding killed at least 162 people.
More than 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people across 12 southern provinces have been affected, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said 162 deaths have been confirmed in eight provinces, with Songkhla province — particularly the city of Hat Yai — the hardest hit, recording at least 126 fatalities.
The scale of the disaster and the high casualty count have drawn widespread criticism of the government’s flood management. Anutin acknowledged shortcomings and said he apologised to affected residents for the government’s failure to adequately protect them.
The government will begin distributing compensation payments next week and announced relief measures including debt suspension and short-term, interest-free loans for businesses and home repairs.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported water levels began receding across all affected provinces on Saturday morning. Videos showed residents returning to previously submerged homes to assess damage, with furniture and belongings scattered across floors.
The flooding, which began last weekend, left thousands stranded, made streets impassable and submerged low-rise buildings and vehicles. As rescue teams accessed areas that had been underwater, more bodies were recovered and the death toll in Songkhla continued to rise.
Siripong said King Maha Vajiralongkorn would donate 100 million baht ($3.11 million) to Hat Yai Hospital, which sustained extensive flood damage, and would provide royal support for funerals of flood victims.
(Edited by : Gareema Bangad)
