Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

Police in Hat Yai, Songkhla, have apologised for using a small excavator to move vehicles blocking roads during flood relief operations, taking responsibility for any damage to about 10 affected cars. The move was necessary to clear paths for emergency vehicles and restore traffic flow after heavy flooding in Hat Yai.

 

Since 27 November 2025, Hat Yai residents were advised to move their vehicles where possible to ease congestion. However, many cars remained stranded on roads and bridges, either abandoned or swept into obstructive positions by floodwaters. On 29 November, police faced severe traffic bottlenecks at key locations including the Rong Poon intersection and in front of the Khlong U-Tapao Bridge, impacting ambulance and rescue operations.

 

To resolve the situation, traffic police requested help from a passing excavator to nudge about 10 vehicles aside, creating a clear path for emergency vehicles. The vehicles were moved only short distances, rather than being relocated entirely. Police emphasised the action was intended solely to facilitate emergency access and traffic flow.

 

Hat Yai police stated they would compensate any owners whose vehicles were damaged during the operation. In the future, vehicles left unmoved by their owners may be relocated to designated parking areas, including the Hat Yai Municipal Stadium and the Prince of Songkla University International Convention Center. Residents are encouraged to contact authorities for further information.

 

Khoasod reported that the operation highlights ongoing challenges in managing urban traffic during natural disasters and ensuring that emergency services can respond promptly. Authorities have urged local residents to cooperate and proactively move vehicles to prevent future disruptions.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Hat Yai police used an excavator to move 10 vehicles obstructing flood-affected roads.

• Authorities apologised for any damage and pledged compensation to vehicle owners.

• Stranded cars may be relocated to designated parking areas if owners do not act.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-01

 

 

Genius 🤣

On 12/1/2025 at 5:53 AM, Georgealbert said:

The vehicles were moved only short distances, rather than being relocated entirely. Police emphasised the action was intended solely to facilitate emergency access and traffic flow.

A little protection between the car and bucket would have soften the blow.

Quite right if they were stalling them from doing work that would be highly needed in the community. No point in waiting for people to maybe turn up to get their cars and I'm sure damage would be fairly minimal from where the machine was pushing the cars at the wheel. Obviously tracking and steering would need checking afterwards.

5 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

A little protection between the car and bucket would have soften the blow.

 

The cars are flood damaged and will probably be written off by the insurers. No harm done by using a backhoe bucket to move the junk.

Well obviously the car couldn’t be started and moved by the owner so go with plan B. They need to get the support in their and I’m sure if the car was flooded than it’s going to be written off, cleaned up and sold again to some unsuspecting people.  

An old tyre between the bucket and vehicle would have been simple and sensible to avoid complaints.

Great thinking by the emergency services, likely far more people happy with this solution that the 'do nothing' option.

45 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

An old tyre between the bucket and vehicle would have been simple and sensible to avoid complaints.

Unfortunately wouldn't help.  Excavator operator knew what he was doing.  Aligning the bucket with the center part of the wheel allows for him to slide the car and it's a strong part of car.  Car bodies are made out of plastic, thin steel and aluminum and will be easily dented.

 

Considering it was a catastrophic event what did people expect to happen?  Care more that roads are open for emergency services, repair crews and for supplies to reach the city.

I was a Tow Truck owner and operator in my past life. The truth is that flood vehicles are a total loss as far as being repaired, they will never be reliable due to the amount of electronics damage, not to mention drive train damage. That being said, it is extremely likely that many of those flood vehicles will make it back into the marketplace one way or another, that seems to happen in every country. 

I don’t know why they should apologize. It’s a disaster zone. Vital supplies need to be moved. Any and all means necessary has to be used to move obstacles stopping the flow of supplies.

 

it seems perfectly reasonable to me. Unfortunate for the car owners, but the cars will hardly be in pristine condition anyway after being submerged in water for 3 days.

 

A good advert for having class A insurance, that’s for sure.

no appolgy due. A request to move cars to aid flood rescue was already issued. 

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

A little protection between the car and bucket would have soften the blow.

Wouldn’t have done much good, they moved the cars sideways screwing up the suspension, so tyre not of any use

     No need to apologize.  The greater good of the majority overrides the minority.  Or, it should.   Unfortunately, too often it's the other way around in Thailand.  Which explains why, for example, parking for a few businesses is still allowed rather than opening up the lane for traffic when it is now needed in highly congested areas.   

     Just saw a good example of this today in Pattaya when we made a right turn from Sukhumvit to Pattaya Tai.   Two lanes, plus some rogue cars making a third lane, were turning right.  Once you make the turn, however, you are quickly down to 1 lane because a few businesses are catered to, rather than the vast majority.  Result, a big bottleneck as the three lanes of traffic have to merge into one lane.  How much smoother things would go if the parking was eliminated, at least until the turn into Big C South Pattaya.

1 hour ago, jippytum said:

no appolgy due. A request to move cars to aid flood rescue was already issued. 

Thais generally just   park anywhere they want to,  blocking somebody in, or blocking a main road is of little concern to them  at the best of times

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

A little protection between the car and bucket would have soften the blow.

True, but not practical given the urgency of the situation. Rounding up a bunch of old tires (tyres) like a boat maybe, but impossible to get enough in time. Compensating the owners, if they don't underpay, is fair. 

3 hours ago, RJRS1301 said:

Wouldn’t have done much good, they moved the cars sideways screwing up the suspension, so tyre not of any use

But PR would have looked a tad better.

On 12/2/2025 at 9:23 AM, Lee4Life said:

I was a Tow Truck owner and operator in my past life. The truth is that flood vehicles are a total loss as far as being repaired, they will never be reliable due to the amount of electronics damage, not to mention drive train damage. That being said, it is extremely likely that many of those flood vehicles will make it back into the marketplace one way or another, that seems to happen in every country. 

This is so true with modern cars with sensors, multiple computers and electronics at or near floor level.

 

You can be chasing fault codes, replacing sensors, and cleaning circuit boards for a week and still have "ghost" faults come and go.  This is why a knowledgeable person will pull up carpet in trunk and look for signs of water damage and inspect other areas.