Travel Chaos In Thailand’s Hat Yai, More Than One Thousand Tourists Stuck, As Floodwaters Cut Off Access To The City

Published on November 24, 2025

Travel in Thailand’s Hat Yai has plunged into chaos as more than one thousand tourists were left stranded after intense floodwaters swept through the region, cutting off all major access routes to the city and bringing travel plans, transportation services, and local movement to a sudden standstill.

On Sunday, Hat Yai Airport and hotels in the Hat Yai district were overwhelmed by severe flooding, leaving over 1,000 tourists stranded in the region. The devastating weather conditions, brought on by heavy rainfall, rendered many roads impassable and disrupted the usual flow of travel between the airport and the city center. This unprecedented situation saw travelers confined to hotels and the airport, creating a logistical challenge for both local authorities and stranded visitors.

The floodwaters began to rise overnight, causing widespread disruption throughout Hat Yai. Many of the roads leading from the airport to the city center were rendered impassable, with water levels rising to significant heights in some areas. Tourists who had planned to leave the airport and proceed to other destinations in the region found themselves unable to travel due to the dangerous conditions. As a result, a large number of travelers were left with little choice but to remain at the airport or at nearby hotels until the situation improved.

The government’s response was swift, with military trucks and vehicles from the Royal Irrigation Department deployed to assist in moving people between the airport, local hotels, and temporary shelters. These vehicles were essential for ensuring that tourists could at least be transported to safer areas, as the rising floodwaters had inundated many parts of the region. In the meantime, local officials expressed hope that conditions would improve within a few days if the heavy rain eased. However, as the situation unfolded, it became clear that the extent of the flooding would be a challenge to manage.

Despite the flooding, Hat Yai Airport remained open and operational throughout the ordeal, allowing some flights to continue. However, the airport itself was surrounded by flooded areas, and many travelers were unable to leave due to the impassable roads. Those who were not directly affected by the floods were still trapped in the region, unable to catch their scheduled flights or reach their intended destinations. As the floodwaters swelled, airport officials worked tirelessly to ensure that the airport remained functional, although there were delays and disruptions to flight schedules.

The situation at the hotels was similar. Many of the tourists who had been staying in Hat Yai were unable to leave, as the roads leading out of the area were completely flooded. Some hotels offered temporary shelter to those who had been stranded, while others worked to coordinate transportation and provide food and supplies to visitors. Despite these efforts, the situation remained precarious, with no clear end in sight as the rain continued to fall throughout the day.

As the floodwaters continued to rise, local authorities issued warnings about the dangerous conditions, advising both residents and tourists to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. In addition to the tourists, the flooding affected a large number of local residents as well. The floods have had a widespread impact on the region, with significant damage reported in several districts. The flooding has severely affected 637 villages across 10 districts, with approximately 465,000 people impacted by the disaster. The worst-hit areas are those close to the riverbanks and low-lying regions, where the floodwaters have caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and farmland.

For the tourists stranded in Hat Yai, the flooding posed an immediate challenge, but local authorities were doing everything they could to ensure their safety and well-being. Emergency services worked around the clock to assist with evacuations and provide aid to those in need. The situation also prompted discussions about the long-term implications of such severe weather events, as experts have pointed out that flooding in the region has become more frequent in recent years, likely due to changing weather patterns linked to climate change.

While the flooding was an unprecedented event for the region, it also highlighted the resilience of both the local community and the tourism industry. Despite the adversity, many local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, did their best to assist stranded tourists, offering accommodations and meals where possible. The tourism sector, which is a key driver of the local economy, is expected to face challenges in the coming weeks as a result of the floods, but it remains hopeful that the region will recover in due time.

The disaster also drew attention to the broader impact of extreme weather on tourism in Southeast Asia. The region is no stranger to flooding, particularly during the monsoon season, but this event underscored the vulnerability of major tourist hubs like Hat Yai to such disruptions. As the global tourism industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, events like these remind both travelers and operators of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of climate change.

Looking ahead, officials hope that the floodwaters will recede soon, allowing tourists to continue their travel plans. In the meantime, efforts are ongoing to assist those who are stranded and to provide relief to the affected communities. As the rains subside and the floodwaters recede, Hat Yai’s tourism industry will begin the process of recovery, working to restore the region to its pre-flood condition and continue welcoming travelers from around the world.

Travel in Thailand’s Hat Yai has been disrupted as more than one thousand tourists became stuck after severe floodwaters blocked all main routes into the city, leaving transport services halted and movement impossible.

The events of Sunday serve as a reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather events and the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in tourist destinations. As Hat Yai and its residents recover from the flood, the region will undoubtedly emerge stronger, having weathered this unprecedented storm with resilience and determination.