Hat yai: Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that more than 4,000 tourists from Malaysia and Singapore are safe following the severe flooding in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. The international community has shown a willingness to assist in both immediate relief and the rehabilitation of equipment and personnel affected by the floods.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a coordination center to aid foreigners impacted by the southern floods. This center works with various Thai and international agencies, including those from Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, China, and several other countries, to extend assistance to affected foreigners and local residents.
International organizations, including the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Centre (AHA), have declared their readiness to provide support in personnel, equipment, and medical units, with Thailand welcoming these offers of help.
The majority of stranded tourists in the disaster-hit areas are Malaysians, numbering approximately 4,000, along with around 200 Singaporeans. Efforts have been made to ensure their safety, and many have already been able to return home.
Mr. Sihasak emphasized that the coordination center aims to streamline processes, serve as a primary contact for foreign nations seeking information, and act as a hub for international aid, operating under the supervision of the government's Flood Emergency Operations Center (FOCOC).
Regarding recovery efforts post-flooding, Mr. Sihasak stated that Thailand remains open to international assistance but is confident in its capabilities to manage the situation internally. The willingness of several countries to assist reflects the gravity of the situation, yet Thailand's internal resources are deemed sufficient for handling the crisis.