Southern Thailand Floods: Updated Travel Information and Safety Guidance for Visitors
Written by the editors of theo-courant.com, your reference guide to Thailand and South-East Asia - based in Bangkok, at the heart of Thai culture.
Flood conditions in Southern Thailand have significantly improved. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), most destinations and essential services now operate normally. Here is the updated situation and the key information travellers need.
Current Situation in Southern Thailand
After several days of heavy rainfall, the situation has stabilised across most provinces.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirms that:
- essential infrastructure is fully operational,
- interprovincial transport services have resumed,
- tourist activities are open in the majority of destinations.
Initially affected provinces: Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
Official Updates – December 2025
Most of Southern Thailand is fully operational
According to the latest TAT announcement:
- The major destinations are fully accessible.
- All airports in the region operate normally.
- Tourist services and activities are available.
- Land and maritime transport have largely resumed.
- The Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre (TCMC) continues to coordinate updates with provincial authorities.
Special Measure: Overstay Fine Exemption
The Immigration Bureau has issued a temporary overstay fine exemption for travellers in the following eight provinces:
Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat
- Applicable for stays expiring between 20 November and 31 December 2025.
Fully Operational Destinations
The following areas welcome travellers with no restrictions:
- Phuket
- Phang Nga
- Krabi
- Ranong
- Surat Thani (including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao)
- Chumphon
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
Additional notes:
- Tourist activities are running normally
- Ferries operate (schedules depend on weather conditions)
- National parks are open (except Mu Ko Chumphon, annual closure)
Trang
- Airport, buses and ferries operating
- Some trails in the Khao Banthat Range remain closed
- Trains operate via Thung Song with bus connections
Areas Under Recovery (Accessible with Some Restorations Ongoing)
- Songkhla (Hat Yai): airport and land borders open, stabilised services
- Satun: ferries to Ko Lipe operational
- Phatthalung: rail services active, some natural sites closed
- Narathiwat: airport open, trains suspended
- Yala (Betong): main attractions accessible
- Pattani: shuttle service available to Narathiwat Airport
Transport Updates
Railways (SRT)
Temporary adjustments from 1–6 December:
- 6 services modified
- 4 services suspended
- Full refunds available for affected tickets.
Interprovincial Buses
Major southern routes have resumed:
- Bangkok–Hat Yai
- Bangkok–Trang–Satun
- Bangkok–Yala
- Bangkok–Pattani
- Bangkok–Su-ngai Kolok
Airports
- Phuket (HKT): normal
- Krabi (KBV): normal
- Surat Thani (URT): normal
- Hat Yai (HDY): open, but access roads can still be slow
Phuket and Krabi: Safe and Fully Operational
The main tourist destinations — Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak, Phang Nga — are not affected by the severe floods.
Minor impacts may include:
- Occasional showers
- Temporary suspension of jungle- or river-based excursions
- Slower travel if coming by road from central Thailand
Tip: choose a direct flight to Phuket or Krabi to avoid connections through Hat Yai.
Practical Advice for Travellers
1. Adjust your itinerary
- Avoid the most affected districts: Hat Yai, Na Mom, Rattaphum.
2. Double-check transport
- Reconfirm bus and train tickets 24 hours ahead.
- Prepare alternatives: domestic flights, private van, driver.
3. Expect longer travel times
Some journeys may take two to three times longer in certain areas.
4. Follow local updates
- DDPM announcements
- TAT updates
- Airport advisories
- Regional weather alerts
5. Pack for wet conditions
- Lightweight poncho
- Non-slip shoes
- Waterproof cases
- Offline maps
FAQ – Southern Thailand Floods (Travellers)
Is it safe to travel to Phuket or Krabi?
Yes. Both destinations are fully operational.
Are flights affected?
Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani airports operate normally.
Hat Yai is open but road access may still be slow.
Should Hat Yai be avoided?
The situation is improving, but some movements may remain difficult.
Are trains running?
Yes, with temporary schedule adjustments. Check SRT updates before travelling.
Do ferries to the islands operate?
Yes, though schedules may change due to weather conditions.
Useful Contacts
- Tourist Police: 1155 (24/7, multilingual)
- TAT Contact Centre: 1672
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0-2643-5264 / flood2025@mfa.go.th
