RESCUE teams in Songkhla province have come under armed threat while attempting to assist communities cut off by severe flooding, according to reports from Thai media.
The Thaiger said the incidents occurred in an area known as “Area 8”, one of the worst-hit zones where residents have been left without food or clean water.
Emergency responders from across Thailand have been deployed to the south, but several teams have encountered hostile situations.
Tensions first flared on Tuesday when a volunteer from Surat Thani claimed an unidentified man fired three shots into the air to intimidate him.
A more serious confrontation was reported on Wednesday night, when the San Kampaeng Rescue Foundation from Chiang Mai abandoned its operation after a gunman discharged more than 20 rounds at their boat. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Flooding since Monday has inundated ten southern provinces, including Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
In Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said more than 6,000 Malaysians stranded by the disaster in southern Thailand had been successfully brought home since rescue efforts began on 23 November.
In a Facebook statement, he said the mission was largely driven by nearly 20 Malaysian volunteer organisations working alongside the Foreign Ministry, including 13 volunteer fire brigades, supported by the Thai authorities.
“I am deeply moved by the courage and perseverance of our volunteer teams who braved the floods and faced risks in order to save fellow Malaysians. My highest appreciation and salute to our heroes,” he said.
Anwar also thanked the Foreign Ministry, the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand, the Consulate-General in Songkhla, Thai authorities, local rescue teams and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) for coordinating assistance for 36 students and two lecturers who had been stranded in Hat Yai.
“The tireless efforts and commitment of all involved in ensuring their safety reflect the extraordinary compassion, concern and spirit of togetherness that transcend religion, race and background,” he said.
He urged Malaysians to continue praying for the safety of volunteers and all those still engaged in bringing home citizens who remain stranded.
“The Government, through Wisma Putra, will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance as swiftly as possible. Thank you, everyone!” he added. - November 28, 2025
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