Key Takeaways
- 715 factories in Songkhla province damaged with estimated losses of 1.2 billion baht
- FTI deploying emergency relief teams and supplies to flood-affected southern regions
- Critical supply chain disruptions across food processing, rubber, and manufacturing sectors
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has activated emergency measures as widespread flooding inundates hundreds of factories across southern Thailand, severely disrupting production and supply chains.
FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul confirmed the federation is conducting damage surveys and preparing relief operations in the hardest-hit areas, with a team scheduled to assess the situation in Hat Yai on December 1.
Communication Breakdown Hinders Assessment
“It is too early to provide detailed information to the public,” Mr Kriengkrai stated, noting that floodwaters have blocked transport routes and crippled communication networks.
“Signals are very poor, and we cannot even reach our provincial members in the South.”
The FTI plans immediate delivery of essential supplies and financial assistance to affected communities, particularly in Songkhla province.
Coordination with state rescue teams will provide heavy machinery to clear debris, access stranded areas, and support rescue operations.
Extensive Industrial Damage Reported
The Industry Ministry confirmed 715 factories in Songkhla have sustained damage, with losses estimated at 1.2 billion baht.
Affected industries include:
- 29 food processing plants across multiple districts
- 97 rubber wood furniture factories
- 103 rubber processing plants
- 44 plastics factories
- 53 metal factories
- 310 sand suction operations
- 79 service industry sites
- 17 biomass and biogas power plants
Supply Chain Bottlenecks Emerge
While Rubber City, a major rubber processing estate, remained unaffected, the floods have disrupted raw material supplies, creating significant bottlenecks in the rubber industry supply chain.
The FTI is urging the Industry Ministry to clarify damage assessments, emphasizing that transport and communication breakdowns have prevented comprehensive surveys of the economic impact.
