Southern Thailand Floods: Essential Information for Travellers
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
Southern Thailand is experiencing severe flooding.This guide provides an update on transport and the current situation, explaining the impacts on roads, airports, and travel plans, with practical advice for tourists heading to Phuket, Krabi, and the Andaman coast
Over the past several days, southern provinces faced exceptional rainfall, which caused major disruptions. While most tourist areas remained accessible, inland provinces and transport networks were under pressure.
Current Situation in Southern Thailand
Floods are affecting 10 provinces: Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
More than 720,000 households were impacted, with some areas still under critical alert
Hat Yai: The Hardest-Hit Area
Hat Yai faced its heaviest rainfall in 300 years, resulting in severe flooding, road closures, and major logistical challenges.
Key impacts include:
- Power outages
- Evacuations to university campuses
- Delays in delivering essential supplies
For tourists, this translates into blocked roads, long delays and significant transport disruptions.
Southern Thailand Transport Update – Dec 2
Direct summary:
The floods mainly affect the southern provinces of Thailand, including Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla (Hat Yai), Trang, Satun, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Disruptions impact roads, trains, buses, and ferries in these areas.
| Domain | Regions / Cities concerned | Current situation |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | Highway 41 (Surat Thani – Nakhon Si Thammarat), routes to Satun, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat | Temporary closures, detours in place, slowed traffic. |
| Traffic | Rural areas of Phatthalung, Trang, Songkhla (Hat Yai) | Night travel discouraged, difficult circulation in flooded zones. |
| Trains | Southern line between Phatthalung, Hat Yai and Su-ngai Kolok | Services suspended or reduced from Dec 1 to Dec 6. |
| Buses | Bangkok – South routes, especially to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani | Occasional cancellations and reported delays. |
| Flights | Airports in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Hat Yai | Open, but delays and schedule adjustments possible depending on weather. |
| Ferries | Routes to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (from Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat) | Crossings sometimes cancelled due to rough seas. |
| Advice | Check schedules, allow extra travel time, follow local authorities’ guidance. |
Impact on Transport and Tourism
Major tourist zones such as Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta and the islands of the Andaman Sea remain operational.
However, connections from inland provinces may be affected.
Airports: What’s Working and What’s Disrupted
- Hat Yai Airport (HDY): The airport remains open, but traffic to and from the airport is still difficult.
- Phuket Airport (HKT): Operating normally.
- Krabi Airport (KBV): No major issues reported.
Tip: Avoid itineraries requiring connections through Hat Yai in the coming days.
Train Services
Rail services in parts of Songkhla, Trang and Phatthalung face temporary closures.
Routes toward Hat Yai Junction are experiencing the most disruptions.
Bus and Road Transport
- Many roads in Songkhla, Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat are flooded or cut off.
- Interprovincial buses to Yala, Narathiwat, Trang and Hat Yai may be cancelled or diverted.
- Roads to Phuket and Krabi remain open, though traffic is slower in certain sections.
Hotels and Tourism Services
- In Hat Yai, around 30 hotels requested emergency food supplies for guests.
- Accommodation in Phuket, Krabi and the main coastal destinations remains fully operational.
Can You Safely Travel to Phuket and Krabi?
Yes. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak and Phang Nga are not directly affected by the severe flooding.
However:
- Heavy showers are frequent
- Some excursions (rivers, waterfalls, jungle treks) may be cancelled
- Overland travel from Bangkok or central Thailand may take longer
Tip: Book a direct flight to Phuket or Krabi to avoid flood-affected areas.
Practical Tips for Travellers Heading South
1. Adjust Your Itinerary
- Use Phuket or Krabi as your main hub.
- Avoid Hat Yai, Na Mom, Rattaphum and other heavily affected districts for now.
2. Double-Check Transport
- Confirm bus and train tickets 24 hours before departure.
- Prepare alternatives such as flights or private transfers.
3. Expect Longer Travel Times
Some transfers may take two to three times longer depending on weather and road conditions.
4. Stay Updated
Keep an eye on:
- DDPM announcements
- Local airport updates
- Regional weather alerts
5. Pack for Heavy Rain
- Lightweight poncho
- Non-slip shoes
- Waterproof cases for documents and phone
- Offline maps and routes
FAQ – Southern Thailand Floods (Travellers)
Is it safe to travel to Phuket or Krabi right now?
Yes. Both destinations are operating normally, with only occasional heavy rain.
Are flights affected?
Flights to Hat Yai may be complicated due to impassable roads around the airport.
Phuket and Krabi airports are operating normally.
Should Hat Yai be avoided?
Yes, at least for now. Road access is difficult, and hotels are facing supply shortages.
Can I still take the train to the South?
Lines near Songkhla and Phatthalung are disrupted. Check official updates before travelling.
Are ferries to the islands affected?
Ferries are operating, but delays are possible in case of storms or heavy rainfall.
