Sat Nov 29 11:42:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article version based on the provided information:
Summary:
Severe flooding in southern Thailand has resulted in at least 162 deaths and affected millions. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in flood management and outlined compensation and relief plans, including debt suspension and interest-free loans. Water levels are receding, but the damage is extensive, especially in Songkhla province. The King is donating funds to a damaged hospital and providing support for funeral arrangements.
News Article:
Thailand Floods Claim 162 Lives, Government Pledges Relief
Bangkok, Thailand – November 29, 2025 – Devastating floods across 12 southern provinces of Thailand have claimed the lives of at least 162 people and impacted over 3.8 million residents, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The hardest-hit area is Songkhla province, where at least 126 fatalities have been reported.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the nation on Saturday, acknowledging the government’s failure to adequately protect its citizens from the disaster. “I apologized to the people that the government was unable to take care of and protect them,” Charnvirakul stated.
The government has announced plans to distribute compensation payments to affected households starting next week. Additional relief measures include debt suspension and interest-free loans to assist with business recovery and home repairs.
While water levels began to recede on Saturday morning, the damage is widespread. Video footage shows residents returning to submerged homes, finding their belongings destroyed. The flooding, which began last weekend, caused significant disruption, rendering streets impassable and stranding thousands.
Rescue efforts continue, particularly in the heavily impacted city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province, where the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers gain access to previously submerged areas.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has pledged 100 million baht ($3.11 million) to Hat Yai Hospital, which sustained extensive damage from the flooding, and has also committed to royal support for the funerals of the victims. The government is facing criticism over its handling of the crisis.