More than 4,000 Malaysian tourists are currently stranded in Hatyai and parts of Songkhla after severe flash floods submerged major roads, disrupted transportation and cut off access to essential supplies.
The situation, described as one of the worst floods in recent years, has left thousands stuck in hotels and commercial areas with limited options to return home.
Stranded due to rising water
Dr Sitthipong Sitthiprapha, President of the Hatyai–Songkhla Hotel Association, confirmed that around 4,000 Malaysians are unable to leave their hotels, as rising water levels continue to block roads leading to the city centre, transport terminals and the Malaysia–Thailand border.
Among those affected is 32-year-old Malaysian mother, Lily Suraini, who earlier took to Facebook pleading for help after being stranded at the Siam Oriental Hotel with her two children, aged two and four.
She wrote that the hotel had lost electricity and that she was rapidly running out of milk, nappies, food and clean water.
Her phone battery was also close to dying, forcing her to send an SOS before she lost connectivity.
Her message quickly went viral across Malaysian and Thai social media, prompting many individuals and groups to mobilise assistance.
Lily has since issued a new update, saying aid has finally arrived. She shared that several kind individuals delivered milk, nappies and food to her and other families in the hotel, and that she managed to recharge her phone.
She expressed her gratitude, but also apologised for the unintended pressure her SOS created on tourism pages, authorities and volunteers who were flooded with inquiries from the public.
I didn’t expect it to spread this widely. I apologise for everything,” she wrote, adding that some netizens had wrongly accused her of seeking attention or being a scammer.
She said she will stop posting further updates and remain at the hotel until conditions improve and Malaysians are able to travel home safely.
Thank you to everyone who cared and helped us. Only God can repay your kindness,” she said.
Malaysian Consulate Advises Caution
The Malaysian Consulate-General in Songkhla has advised Malaysians to postpone all travel to southern Thailand for now due to the ongoing floods.
Consul-General Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi urged Malaysians already in the region to remain alert, follow Thai authorities’ instructions and prioritise their safety. He added that those requiring help may contact the duty officer at +66 81 990 1930 or email mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my
