About 400,000 Children Impacted, including at Least Three Killed, as Floods Sweep through Southern Thailand

BANGKOK (Nov. 25, 2025)—Severe flooding in Southern Thailand has impacted around 400,000 children,^[1] including at least three children killed and another child missing, with thousands of others displaced or without power, said Save the Children.^[2]

Thailand is experiencing some of its worst flooding in a generation, with schools in the 12 flood-affected provinces in the south of Thailand shut indefinitely, according to the country’s education ministry. Save the Children is warning that children risk electrocution due to downed power lines and drowning in the surging floodwaters.

An unusually strong and prolonged rainy season has led to continuous rain for several days across the south, with rain continuing to fall and floodwaters rising.

Hat Yai—a business hub in Southern Thailand near the country’s border with Malaysia and a popular tourist spot—has been declared a disaster zone with residents told to evacuate immediately as flood water levels reached the roofs of many buildings.^[3]

Thailand, like many of its neighbors, is experiencing rising temperatures and more frequent and severe floods from increased rainfall each year, as well as severe drought partly brought on by the climate crisis, according to the UN.^[4]

Khem Krairit, Director of Programs and Humanitarian, Save the Children Thailand, said:

“Nearly half a million children are at risk and nearly 2 million people are currently affected by severe flooding in southern Thailand. Children risk being separated from their families and they risk missing out on school. There are also other dangers such as electrical leakages after flooding and the risk of children drowning.

We know that in a crisis children are the most affected, and we urge everyone working on this flood response to prioritize child safety, protection, and access to assistance. Save the Children is assessing the situation in the Thai south and we’re preparing to respond to support local communities and assist the authorities."

Save the Children is assessing immediate needs in flood affected areas and has pre-positioned emergency supplies, including baby kits and children's kits, ready for deployment.

Save the Children has been working in Thailand since 1979, focusing on child protection, education, child rights governance, livelihoods, and humanitarian responses for children and youth across the country.

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[1] Over 1.9 million people (1,917,521 individuals) from nearly 720,000 households have been affected by the crisis. Thailand’s child population as of 2023 was 21% (source: UNICEF) of the total population (https://share.google/WVXW8J79bSTMkHat7) 21% of 1.9 million individuals affected = 399,000.  
[2] https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/11/24/why-southern-thailand-is-facing-severe-flooding-now/
[3] https://www.bbc.com/thai/articles/cqxqrx0q491o
[4] https://www.undp.org/stories/climate-impact-thailand