On December 16, Nakhon Si Thammarat faced a critical flooding crisis following continuous heavy rainfall. Several areas were submerged, roads were cut off, and all agencies mobilized to assist affected residents.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, flooding impacted 21 districts between November 21 and December 14, 2023. The affected areas include Thung Song, Mueang, Chulabhorn, Sichon, Chian Yai, Cha-uat, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Phra Phrom, Phrom Khiri, Pak Phanang, Hua Sai, Ron Phibun, Nopphitam, Phipun, Nabon, Bang Khan, Chawang, Khanom, Tha Sala, Chang Klang, and Lan Saka districts. In total, 130 subdistricts, 1,056 villages, and 59 communities were affected, with 107,937 households (311,226 people) impacted. Five fatalities were reported.

Heavy rainfall in upstream areas such as Lan Saka, Phrom Khiri, and Nopphitam caused flash floods to inundate downstream districts, with floodwaters expected to reach Phra Phrom, Tha Sala, and Nakhon Si Thammarat municipality by 4:00 PM on December 16. Rising water levels in the eight main canals in the municipality have already overflowed into residential areas, making some streets impassable. Residents have resorted to walking or using boats to navigate.

The municipality issued evacuation alerts overnight, setting up temporary shelters in municipal school buildings. Meanwhile, Nakhon Si Thammarat Mayor Dr. Kanop Ketuchat and his team are closely monitoring the situation and working with local networks to expedite water drainage. However, the combined volume of heavy rainfall and runoff from Khao Luang Mountain is overwhelming drainage capacity, delaying efforts.

At Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, sandbags have been placed at the main entrance to protect the low-lying facility from flooding. Entry and exit have been redirected to the back entrance to ensure uninterrupted service.

The Fourth Army Region has deployed personnel to assist residents by moving belongings and evacuating vulnerable groups, including at-risk individuals and bedridden patients, throughout the night.