SOUTHERN THAILAND FLOODS: MALAYSIAN CONSULATE ADVISES MALAYSIANS TO POSTPONE TRAVEL

SONGKHLA, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Consulate in Songkhla on Saturday advised Malaysians to postpone travel to southern Thailand due to floods inundating the province.

Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, said in a statement that most areas in southern Thailand are currently experiencing flooding due to continuous heavy rain.

“The Malaysian Consulate-General in Songkhla advises all Malaysians planning to travel or visit southern Thailand to temporarily postpone their plans due to severe weather, ongoing heavy rainfall, and floods affecting many areas,” he said.

Ahmad Fahmi also urged Malaysians in southern Thailand to stay alert to weather developments, follow announcements and instructions from local authorities, and ensure their personal safety.

He added that for any consular assistance, Malaysians can contact officers on duty at +66 81 990 1930 or via email at mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my.

Meanwhile, President of the Hatyai-Songkhla Hotel Association, Dr Sitthipong Sitthiprapha, said the association had been informed that around 4,000 Malaysian tourists were stranded in hotels around Songkhla due to flooded roads.

“Since last night, more than 4,000 Malaysian tourists have been stranded… including those intending to return to Malaysia via Sadao, where the main road from Hatyai to Sadao is cut off by floods, as well as those stranded in hotels due to flooding in Hatyai town,” he said.

Sitthipong added that local authorities have taken immediate measures by providing food and boats to move stranded tourists to safer areas.

He said the number of Malaysian tourists’ vehicles submerged by the floodwaters is still unclear, but so far no casualties have been reported.

In addition, continuous rain since last Monday has caused flooding in eight southern Thai provinces, forcing nearly 124,003 families to move to safer areas.

-- BERNAMA