Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Facing its worst floods in recent years, Thailand announced on the 25th that it would dispatch a fleet, aircraft carrier, supplies, and medical teams to aid its southern regions. Continuous torrential rains have caused 13 deaths in the country, severely hindering rescue and evacuation efforts.
The Royal Thai Navy stated that it will deploy 14 ships and the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, accompanied by helicopters, medical personnel, supplies, and a field kitchen capable of providing 3,000 meals daily. The aircraft carrier can also be used as a floating hospital.
The floods in southern Thailand have affected not only approximately 1.9 million people domestically but also eight neighboring states in Malaysia.
According to a report by the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Bangkok, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thapane, stated that the ongoing floods have left over 4,000 Malaysian tourists stranded in Hat Yai hotels and airports, potentially triggering a wave of cancellations across the Malaysian market this week.
Since last weekend, Hat Yai has been experiencing severe flooding due to torrential rains, with some areas suffering serious flash floods. The Malaysian government has issued a flood warning and advised its citizens to avoid traveling to southern Thailand.
Sivakumar, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Council, stated that floodwaters from Sadao district have inundated Hat Yai, causing the closure of several main roads and affecting hotels, markets, and shopping malls. In addition to Malaysian tourists, thousands of local residents are facing food shortages for two consecutive days due to the floods.
Sivakumar pointed out that businesses in Hat Yai, a major tourist hub in Thailand, are expected to be closed for at least two weeks, directly impacting operations during the peak tourist season. It is worth noting that Songkhla is one of the three host cities for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, and the men's football Group B matches (Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia) originally scheduled to be held there may be affected. (End)
