Over 800 Singaporeans Evacuated from Flood-Hit Hat Yai, Thailand

More than 800 Singaporeans have returned safely from Hat Yai, Thailand, which has been severely affected by flooding. In a statement on December 1, 2023, Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, confirmed that a total of 822 Singaporeans who had registered with or contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) were successfully evacuated.

Dr. Balakrishnan praised the tireless efforts of the MFA’s consular response teams, acknowledging their dedication in reaching out to Singaporeans stranded in the flood-impacted areas. He also expressed gratitude to the Thai government and the Royal Thai Armed Forces, as well as various non-governmental organizations and volunteers who provided critical support during the evacuation operations.

The minister highlighted the assistance from the Malaysian government, which facilitated the return of Singaporeans where feasible. “As Thailand moves into the recovery phase, I hope families and communities affected by the floods will soon be able to rebuild and find stability again,” Dr. Balakrishnan remarked.

The MFA had previously reported on November 28, 2023, that 608 out of 893 Singaporeans who had registered with the ministry were either at Hat Yai International Airport or had already departed for Singapore. At that time, the MFA stated that it was coordinating assistance on the ground in collaboration with Thai authorities.

Throughout the crisis, the MFA worked diligently to locate and transport Singaporeans from inundated regions directly to Hat Yai International Airport. Since November 27, the ministry successfully facilitated the movement of 34 Singaporeans from severely affected areas.

Authorities in Thailand have reported that the recent floods have resulted in at least 176 fatalities, marking one of the deadliest flood incidents in the country in the past decade. In response to the catastrophe, the Thai government has implemented relief measures; however, public criticism of the response has emerged. In light of the situation, two local officials have been suspended due to alleged shortcomings in their handling of the crisis.

As the nation begins its recovery, the focus will remain on supporting those who have been affected by the flooding and ensuring the safety of those who travel to and from the region. The successful evacuation of Singaporeans stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies and organizations during this challenging time.