Army mobilises helicopters and special forces to assist with Hat Yai flood crisis
The Army has mobilised helicopters, medical teams, and special forces to assist with flood relief efforts in Hat Yai, ensuring ongoing support for flood victims
On November 26, 2025, General Pana Claewplodtook, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and Director of the Army Disaster Relief Centre, ordered the mobilisation of Army aviation, emergency medical equipment, and special forces units to urgently assist flood victims in southern Thailand.
The operation will provide essential assistance, with the following specifics:
The Army Aviation Centre has mobilised one Mi-17 helicopter and two EC-145 helicopters, along with emergency medical personnel and equipment from the Army Medical Department.
The helicopters are scheduled to operate in Hat Yai, Songkhla, arriving at 16:00 today to assist with the emergency relief efforts.
The Special Warfare Command has sent a team of 30 personnel with a rescue platform for aerial rescue, travelling by Army transport planes. They will be ready to operate in the affected areas by the evening today.
Additionally, the Special Warfare Command has dispatched a water rescue operation team, equipped with 17 vehicles (including FTS trucks and six-wheeled trucks), 8 engine-powered inflatable boats, and over 40 personnel. These units have already departed from Lopburi at 11:00 AM today.
Army's commitment to assist flood victims
General Pana emphasised that all units must carry out the mission with the utmost caution. He ordered the mobilisation of high-lift trucks and boats to assist with evacuating residents in areas affected by flash floods.
Special forces will also be deployed to rescue people stranded in high-risk areas, and Army medical teams will be on the ground to provide ongoing care to the affected.
The Royal Thai Army has confirmed that all operations will continue until the situation stabilises and normal conditions are restored.
