The persistent downpours have turned a typically bustling bus station in Yala Municipality into a scene of maritime chaos after relentless rainstorms swept through Yala and its neighboring southern provinces. The waterlogged images, shared widely on Bor Kor Sor 99’s Facebook account, depict an unexpected aquatic adventure where buses have become more akin to boats.
The weather’s wrath hasn’t spared the region’s rail services either. In a bid to keep passengers safe and prevent any locomotion mishaps, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced a complete halt on a quartet of notable train routes leading to and from the country’s southern extremities. Warning whistles have been silenced for now, as the rain has gnawed at railway tracks, making them inoperable.
Among the affected railway routes are the illustrious Special Express trains No. 31/32, which usually whisk passengers seamlessly between the capital Bangkok and the southern hub of Hat Yai. Equally stranded are the Special Express trains No. 37/38, which take travelers on an adventurous ride from Bangkok to the border town of Sungai Kolok and back. The tracks for the Special Express No. 45/46, bound for the picturesque Padang Besar, and the Rapid train No. 171/172, pulling into Sungai Kolok, are similarly submerged beneath the tumultuous tide.
Courage, however, turns cautious for the Rapid train No. 169/170, as its engines will no longer steam towards Yala but will now rest their service at Phatthalung. It’s the latest twist in a weather saga, plotting routes for safer, albeit shorter, journeys.
The tempest doesn’t stop there; it has driven the Transport Co, under the vigilant wing of the Transport Ministry, to reroute all coaches heading from Bangkok to destinations such as Yala, Pattani, and Sungai Kolok. The new terminal stop is now the drenched but somehow still perseverant Hat Yai district. For those pining for the palm-lined paths to Songkhla, the bus line via Hat Yai meets its end here too, sending waves of disappointment rippling through daily commuters.
The long sigh of suspension echoes in the announcement from train and bus operators, confirming that these temporary reroutes shall stay until a more favorable forecast graces the horizon. Until then, the deep South remains valiantly resilient, navigating both new waters and routes.
It’s astonishing how vulnerable our infrastructure is to the forces of nature. Why aren’t we better prepared for these seasonal floods?
Exactly, Joe! With the technology we have today, there should be systems in place to predict and mitigate the impacts of heavy rains.
The problem is usually lack of funding and governmental neglect. Natural disasters aren’t prioritized until after the damage is done.
That’s true. And then the cycle repeats itself when something else grabs the headlines.
Well, what’s the point in blaming the government? This kind of rain would swamp any infrastructure. It’s an act of God!
Maybe it’s an act of climate change. These weather events are becoming more frequent.
Yeah, but folks have been dealing with floods for centuries. It’s nothing new.
The real question is why not invest in floating transportation? Imagine buses that can navigate both land and water!
It sounds cool, but far too impractical and expensive for everyday use.
We should focus on building dams and levees in affected areas. It’s an investment in our future safety.
We’re in the 21st century, yet the SRT and bus services seem stuck in the past. Modernize already!
Agreed, Larry D. But modernization takes political will and public pressure.
In Europe, they have systems to absorb excess water and protect transport. Why can’t we do that?
This will severely impact the tourism industry. Who will want to travel to a flooded region?
Tourists might love adventure, but not when it involves getting stuck in a flood!
Unless they’re hardcore backpackers. But really, safety first.
I’ve had trips cancelled because of this. The authorities need to reimburse people for their lost travel plans.
It would be hard to blame natural disasters alone. Maybe travel insurance should cover this?
Climate change is real and wreaking havoc everywhere. We need to change our habits to preserve our planet.
Everything feels like it’s falling apart with this weather. What’s next—tsunamis where they don’t belong?
A bit dramatic, John, but we should brace ourselves for unexpected changes.
Is no one monitoring weather forecasts? This could have been prevented!
You can monitor all you want, but sometimes nature just delivers surprise packages.
I just hope the local communities are getting the support they need to stay safe.
Can all this water be collected and used somehow? Seems like a waste to let it just cause trouble.
Actually, water management systems can transform such challenges into resources.
Would love to see how other countries handle similar situations. Bet they have better procedures.
If the infrastructure is constantly being ruined, maybe people shouldn’t live in these high-risk areas.
Moving entire communities is easier said than done. But there needs to be better long-term planning.