What's happened
As of November 29, 2025, severe flooding in southern Thailand has affected over 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people across 12 provinces. The death toll has risen to 162, with Songkhla province, especially Hat Yai city, hardest hit. Floodwaters are receding, enabling rescue and relief efforts, while the government faces criticism over flood management and plans compensation and aid.
What's behind the headline?
Scale and Impact
- The floods represent one of the worst natural disasters in southern Thailand in recent decades, with over 3.8 million people affected and a death toll exceeding 160.
- Songkhla province, especially Hat Yai, has borne the brunt, highlighting vulnerabilities in urban flood preparedness.
Government Response and Criticism
- The government has mobilized military assets, including Thailand's sole aircraft carrier and helicopters, to aid rescue and relief operations.
- Despite these efforts, officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, have acknowledged shortcomings in flood management, facing public criticism.
- Compensation payments, debt suspensions, and interest-free loans are planned to support affected households and businesses.
Environmental and Climatic Factors
- The flooding is linked to extreme weather patterns intensified by climate change, including the La Niña phenomenon and interactions between tropical cyclones.
- Record rainfall levels, the highest in centuries for some areas, underscore the increasing unpredictability and severity of monsoon seasons.
Regional and Humanitarian Dimensions
- Neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia are also grappling with floods and landslides, complicating regional disaster response.
- The scale of displacement and infrastructure damage demands sustained humanitarian aid and long-term resilience planning.
Outlook
- With floodwaters receding, focus will shift to recovery, infrastructure repair, and addressing mental health impacts.
- The disaster exposes the urgent need for improved flood management, urban planning, and climate adaptation strategies in Southeast Asia.
- Continued monitoring of weather patterns is critical to prepare for future extreme events.
What the papers say
The Independent provides detailed updates on the rising death toll and government responses, noting that "162 deaths have been confirmed in eight provinces, particularly in Songkhla province which recorded at least 126 deaths" and that Deputy Prime Minister Anutin "acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in flood management". Al Jazeera highlights the severity in Hat Yai, reporting "total deaths across the southern provinces is 145" and describing the challenges rescuers face as floodwaters recede. Reuters offers insight into the military's role, stating that "about 20 helicopters and 200 boats drafted into the Hat Yai rescue effort have had difficulty reaching stranded people" and that Thailand's aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet is providing support. Arab News contextualizes the floods within a broader regional pattern, linking the extreme weather to climate phenomena and noting the impact on Malaysia and Indonesia. The New York Times emphasizes the scale of the disaster and the government's emergency declaration, quoting officials urging evacuation and describing the military's deployment of resources. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a large-scale natural disaster exacerbated by climate factors, with significant human and infrastructural tolls and a government response under scrutiny.
How we got here
Heavy monsoon rains combined with a low-pressure system caused unprecedented flooding in southern Thailand, particularly in Songkhla province. The region experienced record rainfall, including 335 mm in a single day in Hat Yai, leading to widespread inundation, stranded residents, and overwhelmed infrastructure. The floods also affected neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia, with regional rescue efforts underway.
Go deeper
- What caused the severe flooding in southern Thailand?
- How is the Thai government responding to the flood crisis?
- What are the impacts on neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia?
Common question
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What Caused the Severe Floods in Thailand in 2025?
Thailand has experienced devastating floods in 2025, affecting thousands and causing significant damage. Many wonder what triggered these extreme weather events. In this page, we explore the causes behind the floods, the most affected areas, the government's response, and how climate change may be linked to this disaster. Keep reading to find out more about this urgent issue.
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Are recent floods and storms linked to climate change?
Recent extreme weather events like severe floods in Thailand have raised questions about their connection to climate change. Scientists and experts are examining whether these intense storms and floods are part of a broader pattern driven by global warming. Understanding this link can help us better prepare for future disasters and push for stronger climate action. Below, we explore what science says about extreme weather and what steps are being taken worldwide.
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What’s Happening in Southeast Asia with Floods and Regional Tensions?
Recent events in Southeast Asia have brought together natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, raising questions about the severity of floods and security concerns in the region. From devastating floods in southern Thailand to rising military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, these issues are impacting millions. Below, we explore the key questions people are asking about these developments and what they mean for the region’s future.
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How Severe Are the Floods in Southern Thailand?
Recent flooding in southern Thailand has caused widespread devastation, affecting millions and leading to numerous fatalities. Many are wondering just how bad these floods are, which areas are most impacted, and what is being done to help those affected. Below, we answer the most common questions about this natural disaster and explore its causes and consequences.
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What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping our world today. From international climate talks and regional conflicts to natural disasters and political milestones, these stories are crucial for understanding current events. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for the future? Below are the key questions and answers to keep you informed and engaged.
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Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, it is composed of 76 provinces, and covers an area of 513,120 square kilometres, and a population
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Hat Yai (Thai: หาดใหญ่, pronounced [hàːt jàj], also Haad Yai or Had Yai) is a city in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border and the fifth-largest city in Thailand with a population of 191,696 (2024) in the city municipality (thesaba
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Anutin Charnvirakul is a Thai politician. As of 2020, he serves as Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health.
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Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. The federal constitutional monarchy consists of thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo's East Malaysia.
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Songkhla is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Satun, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, and Yala. To the south it borders Kedah and Perlis of Malaysia.
In contrast to most other provinces, the capital Songkhla is