On 25 November 2025, the Cabinet approved the declaration of an Emergency Decree for the entire province of Songkhla, assigning the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces to oversee the situation.
Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of Industry, stated that the Cabinet had approved the enforcement of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations across Songkhla Province. The Prime Minister is expected to sign the declaration today. The powers granted under this decree are similar to those used during the COVID-19 period under former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The implementation of the Emergency Decree is intended to accelerate assistance to the public. Air Chief Marshal Ukrit Boontanon, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will serve as the area commander, with other ministers joining as co-commanders. Additional orders will follow.
Secretary-General of ONWR urges close monitoring in Hat Yai amid heaviest rainfall in 300 years
Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), explained the flooding situation in Hat Yai District, Songkhla, noting how it differs from flooding in the Central and Northern regions. He said the water management system in Songkhla relies on drainage canals, and the situation is more severe this time due to heavy accumulated rainfall in Sadao District.
Canal R.1, with a capacity of 1,200 cubic meters, cannot handle the extremely high rainfall reaching 880 millimeters per hour. Continuous rain in surrounding areas has caused the canal system to exceed capacity. Danucha acknowledged that this is the heaviest rainfall the area has experienced in 300 years. He recommended future measures, including deepening Canal R.1 and expanding the U-Tapao Canal to prepare for rare but extreme events.
He added that the Prime Minister has ordered urgent efforts to save lives and mobilize all available resources to assist affected communities. Authorities remain on high alert as the Meteorological Department continues to warn of heavy rainfall in Hat Yai. As of the latest assessment, water levels along the banks between 11:00–13:00 today have risen by an additional 2 meters and 20 centimeters due to last night’s rainfall, indicating that residents must continue to stay vigilant.