Floods in Songkhla Threaten ฿7 Billion Loss to Tourism Sector

Picture courtesy of ThaiPBS

Severe floods in Songkhla are set to deal a devastating blow to the tourism sector, with losses anticipated to hit ฿7 billion. The catastrophe has significantly impacted Hat Yai and nearby areas, leading to the relocation of SEA Games events to Bangkok. Sitthipong Sitthiphatprapa, President of the Hat Yai–Songkhla Hotels Association, confirmed that the flooding has wrecked homes and tourism infrastructure, leaving many residents displaced.

The deluge struck during the peak tourist season, exacerbating the challenges faced by the tourism industry and the existing crisis in the tourism industry. Over 10,000 travellers were stranded, and the damage to infrastructure has prompted concerns about a possible collapse in year-end tourism. The loss of hosting the SEA Games has further compounded financial losses for the province.

Sitthipong warned that if the flood recovery extends into early next year, the financial damage could rise to ฿10 billion, in addition to an estimated ฿3 billion needed to repair affected hotel businesses. Currently, only 20 out of 300 hotels in Hat Yai and Songkhla are operational, largely booked by emergency response teams. Repair and recovery efforts could take two to three months, reported ThaiPBS.

Authorities have contacted the hotels association to explore accommodation options for those displaced. Meanwhile, hotel operators are set to request government relief measures, including debt moratoriums, low-interest recovery loans, and a temporary halt on land tax payments due next year. Sitthipong highlighted the operators’ dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

• Songkhla faces a projected ฿7 billion loss in the tourism sector due to flooding.
• Over 10,000 travellers were stranded, with major events moved to Bangkok.
• Hotel operators plan to urge the government for relief measures.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ThaiPBS 2025-12-02