Hat Yai –
The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that the death toll from the catastrophic floods in Hat Yai has risen to 145 people, as forensic teams continue the difficult process of identifying victims. As of 4:00 p.m. on December 3rd, 29 bodies have been returned to relatives, while 116 remain under examination at Songklanagarind Hospital.
Breakdown of Fatalities
- Deaths in hospitals
- Hat Yai Hospital: 54
- Songklanagarind Hospital: 11
- Deaths outside hospitals
- Hat Yai Hospital jurisdiction: 1
- Songklanagarind Hospital jurisdiction: 79
Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Dr. Somruk Jungsaman, explained that hospital deaths occurred between November 22–27, largely among patients already receiving treatment. Victims found outside hospitals are undergoing autopsies conducted by forensic specialists from Prince of Songkla University and the Central Institute of Forensic Science.
“Most cases point to drowning as the primary cause of death,” Dr. Somruk said. “However, some require detailed autopsies to confirm, as not all victims show water in the lungs. Accurate determination is essential for both medical records and compensation processes.”
The government has pledged 2 million baht per victim in compensation, but eligibility requires official forensic confirmation of cause of death. This includes cases where individuals died at home during the floods but not from drowning, which must be carefully documented to ensure fairness in insurance and relief claims.
Dr. Somruk emphasized that current figures only reflect data from Hat Yai Hospital and Songklanagarind Hospital. Community hospitals are still compiling reports, which may adjust the official toll.
“All autopsy results will be submitted to the Frontline Emergency Flood Response Command Center for review,” he noted. “As for whether the actual number of deaths is higher, I cannot confirm. Families are encouraged to submit information, but without forensic examination, cases cannot qualify for compensation.”
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
