Thailand Reels From ‘300-Year’ Rainfall as Deadly Floods Hit Southeast Asia

Addis Ababa, November 24, 2025 (FMC) — Thailand is grappling with severe flooding across its southern provinces, where at least 18 people have died and military vessels and aircraft have been mobilized to reinforce ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Ten provinces have endured days of relentless rainfall, with Hat Yai — a major commercial centre near the Malaysian border — recording 335mm of rain in a single day, the heaviest downpour the city has seen in 300 years. Images circulating locally show cars, homes, and streets submerged, while residents trapped on rooftops await evacuation.

Authorities say more than 2 million people have been affected nationwide, though only about 13,000 have been moved to shelters, leaving large numbers stranded and unable to access assistance. A volunteer rescue organisation, the Matchima Rescue Center, reported receiving thousands of evacuation requests in recent days, with many residents turning to social media to plead for help as floodwaters inundate second floors of homes.

The Thai military, tasked with leading the crisis response, announced preparations to deploy an aircraft carrier and 14 naval vessels carrying relief supplies. The carrier is equipped with medical teams and could be converted into a “floating hospital” if needed. High-clearance trucks, boats, and jet skis have also been dispatched to reach isolated communities, officials said.

The cabinet designated Songkhla province, which includes Hat Yai, as a disaster zone on Tuesday, enabling the release of emergency funds.

Neighbouring countries are also facing widespread devastation. In Vietnam, at least 98 people have died within a week of flooding, while in Malaysia more than 19,000 people have been displaced and are sheltering in 126 evacuation centres across northern border states.

Rescue teams in Malaysia’s Kelantan and Perlis states have been wading through knee-deep waters to reach communities cut off by rising floods. A widely shared video from the region shows three boys clinging to power lines as surging brown waters rise beneath them.