In late November 2025, severe floods ravaged southern Thailand especially the district of Hat Yai in Songkhla province. As floodwaters tore through towns and villages, rumours began circulating on social media and some media outlets claiming that more than 1,000 people had died. Many readers were alarmed. But soon, the government stepped in to say: that number was wildly inflated.
What the Officials Say Verified Toll vs. Rumour
According to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the verified death toll remained far below those sensational claims. The official count rose from an earlier figure of 170 to just 179 total deaths nowhere near 1,000.
In a statement, the MoPH’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Sakda Alapach, directly addressed the discrepancy. He explained that while initial body recoveries were high prompting the preparation of refrigerated containersthe pace slowed, and most bodies were either identified or released to families. Any further increase is expected to be minimal, likely in single digits.
| Category | Reported Official Figure | Claimed Rumour Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flood-Related Deaths | 179 | ~1,000+ |
| Deaths in Hat Yai/Songkhla | ~140 | Not clearly defined |
As the table shows the official data and claims diverge dramatically.
Why the Rumour Spread And What Went Wrong
Why did the inflated numbers gain traction? There are a few contributing factors
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Chaos of disaster zones: When floods hit hard, bodies may be moved, stored in temporary facilities, or listed more than once leading to confusion. Officials pointed out that moving bodies between storage areas could create a false impression of higher death counts.
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Misinformation and panic: In times of crisis, fear spreads. It is easy for unverified claims to go viral on social media especially if they confirm people’s worst fears.
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Lack of verification: The person who claimed the 1,000+ number was a high-profile former police official, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn. But his figure had no forensic or legal basis. MoPH emphasized that only data backed by death certificates and autopsies counts.
What This Means For Victims, Families, and the Public
By dispelling the inflated claim, the government aims to restore accurate reporting and calm public fear. Still, even 179 confirmed deaths along with hundreds of missing persons, displaced families, and widespread damage is tragic. The flood’s impact on communities is massive, whether or not the death toll reached 1,000.
For families of victims, clear numbers matter for mourning, for claims, for rebuilding life. For the general public and media, this episode is a reminder: during crises, verified facts matter more than sensational headlines.
Conclusion
The flooding in southern Thailand was devastating. But the rumours claiming over 1,000 deaths turned out to be false. The official verified toll stands at 179 a tragic number, yet far from the exaggerated counts circulating online. In disasters, panic and misinformation thrive. That’s why verified data from on-ground medical and government sources is so critical.