SURAT THANI, Thailand —
Continuous heavy rainfall in Phanom district triggered rapid flash flooding in the Khao Sok area on September 19th, prompting urgent evacuations of tourists and residents as rising waters inundated riverside resorts and residential zones.
Water levels in the Sok Canal surged quickly, overflowing into surrounding communities and lodging facilities. Officials from Khao Sok National Park joined forces with the Phanom Rescue Foundation and Takhun Rescue teams, deploying personnel and equipment to reach those stranded.
Rescuers used rubber boats and safety ropes to extract people from the fast-moving currents, ferrying them out in small groups. Both Thai and foreign tourists trapped at riverside resorts were brought to safety, along with local residents. No injuries were reported in the initial operations.
Authorities established a temporary command center on site to coordinate ongoing efforts and monitor water conditions around the clock.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) also assisted in the evacuations. Flooding covered sections of Highway 401 near kilometer 66+600 (formerly marked as 85+000), making the route impassable for ordinary vehicles. DDPM’s Zone 11 center in Surat Thani deployed specialized high-water vehicles capable of navigating the deep floodwaters to move tourists out of the area.
Surat Thani Highway District 3 (Wiang Sa) temporarily closed the affected stretch of road and advised travelers heading to Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga to use Highway 4118 as an alternative route.
Park and rescue teams remain on high alert as they continue tracking the situation.
