Thailand Floods Death Toll Rises to 13 as Military Deploys Aircraft Carrier for Relief Operations

Southern Thailand is reeling from its worst flooding in years, with at least 13 people dead and millions affected as relentless monsoon rain submerges entire districts across nine provinces. The government has placed the armed forces in charge of an extensive rescue and relief mission after floodwaters cut off key routes and isolated several communities.

Authorities say water levels have surged as high as two metres, overwhelming cities, rural villages, and industrial zones. The crisis has also spilled across the border into Malaysia, where eight states are facing parallel flooding emergencies.

Thai Military Launches Massive Relief Operation

To counter the escalating disaster, Thailand's military has deployed a C-130 transport aircraft loaded with medical supplies, drinking water, and essential food packs. The Royal Thai Navy is sending 14 rescue boats and has activated its flagship aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet.

The carrier is equipped with:

• Two helicopters

• Medical teams and emergency doctors

• Field kitchens capable of producing 3,000 meals per day

Officials said the warship can also operate as a floating hospital, enhancing its role in large-scale evacuations.

Hat Yai Hit Hardest

The commercial hub Hat Yai—a vital centre for Thailand’s rubber industry—has emerged as the epicentre of the crisis. On Friday, the city recorded 335 mm of rainfall, the highest single-day total in three centuries, according to local officials.

Governor Ratthasart Chidchod urged residents to evacuate fully, warning that rising water levels could block relief access:
"Leave the area 100 per cent. If floods rise further, it will become difficult to provide food and care."

Dramatic visuals show:

• Streets swallowed by muddy torrents

• Cars submerged up to their roofs

• Families evacuated on boats, rescue boards, and jet skis

• Residents clinging to makeshift rafts waiting for emergency rescue teams

Authorities say 2.1 million people have been impacted and 13,000 evacuees are currently housed in emergency shelters. Many more remain stranded without food, water, or mobile connectivity.

Malaysia Also Battles Surging Waters

Across the border, Malaysia is dealing with its own unfolding emergency. More than 19,000 people have been moved to 126 relief centres, most in northern states bordering Thailand.

Images from Perlis and Kelantan show rescue teams navigating knee-deep waters, ferrying children and the elderly to safety. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said emergency personnel would be redeployed to other states if conditions deteriorate further, adding a message of solidarity:

"I pray that all flood victims find strength and remain protected from harm."

As both nations confront surging monsoon conditions, forecasts warn that more heavy rainfall may follow, raising concerns about further water-level spikes and extended humanitarian challenges.