Hat Yai's business hit by floods

 "We have closed our business for one day to facilitate moving our products to higher ground," said Boonchuay Jangsiriwattanatham-rong, chief adviser to the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, after heavy rain pelted the city over the past few days.

He estimated the one-day closing translating into Bt40 million-Bt50 million in lost opportunities.

"We have to do this or else we'll face a greater risk. When severe floods hit our town in 2000, businesses here suffered about Bt1 billion in damage," he said.

Red flags were flying in the area to warn locals that flooding will hit in the next six to 30 hours.

"We are very concerned about the situation in Hat Yai district," Songkhla Governor Sonthi Techanan said.

In the worst-hit spots in Hat Yai, the floodwater was over one metre deep. About 10 schools had to suspend classes.

In Narathiwat, flooding has wiped out 42 roads, severed six bridges and ruined 15,442 rai of farmland.

Up to 2,964 families have been affected, with about 10 of them evacuated because it was no longer possible for them to hang on inside their flooded homes.

The State Railway of Thailand suspended train service between Hat Yai and Sungai Kolok due to the flooding.

Passengers were advised to call the 1690 hotline to check the latest updates about the service before beginning their trip.