Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A leptospirosis outbreak in Hat Yai has led to 150 confirmed infections and one death, prompting intensified public-health and city-clean-up operations. The Songkhla Provincial Public Health Office (Sukhala) has distributed more than 400,000 preventive tablets as part of a rapid response. Authorities are simultaneously pushing to clear large volumes of accumulated waste, which they believe may be contributing to health risks in affected areas.

 

The situation was detailed on 9 December 2025 during a meeting at the Ton Palm Conference Room of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Centre 12 in Songkhla. The meeting was chaired by Phasakorn Boonyalug, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, in his role as head of the forward command of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Headquarters. Officials reviewed progress across four designated restoration zones following extensive waste accumulation in Hat Yai.

 

Each zone reported varying levels of progress. Zone 1, led by the Development Command, has cleaned 54.4 kilometres of roads from a total of 88 kilometres, achieving 61.82% completion while removing 13,753 tonnes of waste. Zone 2, overseen by the Royal Thai Army and the 4th Army Region, has cleaned 81.84 kilometres, or 49.37%, and transported 30,790 tonnes of accumulated waste.

 

Zone 3, managed by the Ministry of Interior, has completed 62.77 kilometres of cleaning out of 78.22 kilometres, reaching 80.25% progress with 15,372 tonnes of waste removed. Zone 4, operated by the Ministry of Transport and local agencies, has cleaned 25.50 kilometres, equivalent to 40.90%, and taken 4,938 tonnes of waste to disposal sites. Within the urban area, Hat Yai Municipality has removed 80,180 tonnes out of a total of 123,355 tonnes, leaving 43,172 tonnes pending removal.

 

Authorities confirmed that waste from central Hat Yai is being transported to Ko Taew Municipality’s disposal site, which can handle up to 150,000 tonnes. At the critical Black Bridge intersection, 78,965 tonnes of refuse have already been removed, with 23,500 tonnes remaining. Staff continue to work around the clock to meet the deadline of 14 December.

 

Officials noted logistical obstacles, particularly traffic congestion on major roads, which is slowing waste-removal operations and machine mobilisation. Agencies have requested traffic-management support from Hat Yai Municipality and asked the public to avoid entering municipal zones where work is under way. These measures aim to accelerate the restoration plan while ensuring safe working conditions.

 

Meanwhile, health authorities reported continuing increases in leptospirosis cases. In November, 80 cases were detected, followed by 70 more in early December, bringing the total to 150, with one fatality. Medical teams have distributed over 400,000 preventive tablets, more than 30,000 face masks and additional supplies including treatments for fungal infections and respiratory issues, alongside ongoing disinfection and odour-control spraying using EM solutions.

 

Khoasod reported that Phasakorn stated that all agencies must expedite waste management while prioritising public health protection, particularly with regard to leptospirosis, skin diseases, and pollution from refuse piles. He stressed strict adherence to responsibilities within each designated zone. The goal remains to complete all restoration and waste-removal work in Hat Yai Municipality by 14 December.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Hat Yai has recorded 150 leptospirosis cases and one death amid ongoing waste-removal operations.

• Authorities aim to finish the city’s clean-up by 14 December despite traffic-related delays.

• More than 400,000 preventive tablets and 30,000 masks have been distributed to reduce health risks.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod  2025-12-10

 

 

In case you do not know about the infection. Here is a note from Google about the issue.

Leptospirosis is a blood infection caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira that can infect humans, dogs, rodents, and many other wild and domesticated animals.

19 hours ago, cdulaney said:

In case you do not know about the infection. Here is a note from Google about the issue.

Leptospirosis is a blood infection caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira that can infect humans, dogs, rodents, and many other wild and domesticated animals.

Also known a causing Weils disease amongst manual sugar cane harvesters. Which is one of the reasons sugar cane is burnt prior to harvest.

Didn't have to Google that!

hmmmmmmmm,   is it possible, ???  tht a large portion of this problem is people dumping their garbage on the street ( typical ) 

 

1 hour ago, emptypockets said:

Also known a causing Weils disease amongst manual sugar cane harvesters. Which is one of the reasons sugar cane is burnt prior to harvest.

Didn't have to Google that!

Another quote from Google so I am sure you will like it in case you did not know from the start. I never ever heard the reason you say why Thais burn sugarcane and I have tons of the cane along with Thai farmers. 

The icteric phase of leptospirosis is classically known as Weil disease. This is a severe infection, and its manifestations include fever, renal failure, jaundice, hemorrhage, and respiratory distress. 

2 hours ago, emptypockets said:

Also known a causing Weils disease amongst manual sugar cane harvesters. Which is one of the reasons sugar cane is burnt prior to harvest.

Didn't have to Google that!

The reason for burning sugarcane is: Farmers burn sugarcane fields before harvest primarily to remove flammable, dry leaves ("trash") and stalk tops, making harvesting easier, faster, and cheaper by clearing the way for machinery and reducing transportation weight, while also helping the next crop grow better by exposing soil to sun and warmth, though it causes air pollution and respiratory issues. 

You will like this, per Google.

2 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

hmmmmmmmm,   is it possible, ???  tht a large portion of this problem is people dumping their garbage on the street ( typical ) 

 

Where the <deleted> else were we supposed to put it?

 

Nearly every property in Hat Yai was flooded to at least 1m, most to 2m the worst upto 5m depth. After the water drained away our ground floor had a 5 to 10cm layer of mud, as did everything that was submerged.

 

What couldn't be salvaged went out on the street. We had mountains of garbage along the street as did everyone else. 

 

The mountains were cleared within about 3 days of the road being accessible and the mud hosed away. But the task is immense.

 

 

3 hours ago, cdulaney said:

The reason for burning sugarcane is: Farmers burn sugarcane fields before harvest primarily to remove flammable, dry leaves ("trash") and stalk tops, making harvesting easier, faster, and cheaper by clearing the way for machinery and reducing transportation weight, while also helping the next crop grow better by exposing soil to sun and warmth, though it causes air pollution and respiratory issues. 

You will like this, per Google.

I clearly said manual harvesting, not mechanised.

Burning was at one time legislated to enforce compliance in Australia due to the high number of deaths of cane cutters from leptospirosis. This is no longer the case, and hasn't been for a very long time.

In most areas in Australia, but not all, the  cane is harvested green these days.

 

In wet areas there is also melioidosis to consider. Infection in much the same way a leptospirosis - it just needs a small cut in the skin to become infected.

Originally known as Nightcliff gardeners disease until science found out what it was. Nightcliff is a suburb in Darwin and the disease showed up during the wet season in people walking in wet areas, like their garden for example, hence the name.

Pockets, I did not mention methods of harvesting Manual vs Mechanized, so I did not follow your statement to me at the beginning of your comment here. When is your next trip to Australia? Have a nice day.