Picture courtesy of TNR

 

Severe flooding across southern Thailand has caused an estimated 25 billion baht in economic losses, with 800,000 households affected and 400,000 rai of farmland damaged, according to KASIKORN Research Centre on 26 November 2025. The inundation has hit 10 provinces, including Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Surat Thani, Narathiwat, Pattani, Trang, Satun and Yala, with Hat Yai recording 335mm of rainfall in a single day, its heaviest in 300 years. Authorities confirmed that 33 people have died and widespread evacuations are ongoing as many residents remain stranded.

 

The flooding began on Friday 21 November, with conditions yet to improve and further rainfall and forest runoffs still a risk. The economic impact assessment assumes 10–15 days of severe inundation followed by a gradual easing over the next 10–15 days, shaving around 0.13% off Thailand’s nominal GDP over one month. Songkhla is the primary affected area, where disruption has halted key economic activities including services such as accommodation, restaurants, retail and transportation, which account for over 56% of the local economy, and industrial production such as agriculture and processed food, which makes up 18%.

 

The crisis has struck during a peak tourism period and ahead of Thailand hosting the SEA Games from 9–20 December, with Songkhla set to host multiple sports events. Agriculture across several provinces has also been hit, affecting rubber and oil palm plantations, aquaculture, and fisheries. Beyond the immediate halt to economic activity, Kasikorn Research Centre noted that longer-term damage to buildings, vehicles, and household assets will take time to assess, with recovery depending on income levels, savings, financial support, and government measures.

Picture courtesy of BBC

 

As floodwaters rise, more than 2 million people have been impacted, but only 13,000 have reached shelters, with many cut off from assistance. Rescue agencies reported thousands of evacuation requests, while residents posted urgent appeals for help, citing rising water levels, vulnerable family members, and shortages of food and water. The Thai military has deployed ships, helicopters, boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis and dispatched an aircraft carrier carrying relief supplies, field kitchens capable of serving 3,000 meals a day, and medical teams that could convert the vessel into a floating hospital.

 

Thai Newsroom reported that on 26 November, the cabinet declared Songkhla a disaster zone to free funds for relief, while evacuations continued in provinces including Satun and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said rainfall and water levels were now decreasing, though some residents have refused to leave their homes. He confirmed 33 deaths across seven provinces, caused by drowning, electrocution, landslides and falls, and urged the public and media to avoid sharing false information, including an unfounded report of a helicopter crash. The “Centre for Generosity to Assist Flood Victims in the South 2025” has opened at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Mueang, for nationwide donations.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Flooding has caused 25 billion baht in economic losses, affecting 800,000 households and 400,000 rai of farmland.

• A total of 33 deaths have been confirmed across seven southern provinces, with over 2 million people impacted.

• Relief efforts include military deployment, evacuations, and a national donation centre as authorities monitor ongoing risks.

 

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 Adapted   by   Asean   Now from  Thainewsroom  2025-11-27

 

 

And the environmental, human and psychological costs, are these important, or just the economic costs?

On 11/27/2025 at 4:01 AM, Georgealbert said:

Authorities confirmed that 33 people have died and widespread evacuations are ongoing as many residents remain stranded.

Surpassed 100 confirmed fatalities ..... authorities will shrug this off.

You'd think that it would be reflected in the THB , but no.

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Surpassed 100 confirmed fatalities ..... authorities will shrug this off.

Not Bangkok folk so they won`t be bothered......