A troubling incident in Hat Yai has raised concerns over the safety of rescue teams operating in flood-affected areas. A video circulated on Saturday shows rescue workers claiming they were surrounded and robbed at gunpoint in “District 8” while conducting flood relief operations in the southern Thai city.
The footage, shared by the Army Military Force Facebook page, features members of a rescue crew from Samut Sakhon recounting their ordeal near the Saphan Dum area. The location has previously been noted for tense encounters involving relief workers. According to the rescuers, a group of armed individuals believed to be local residents intercepted their team as they traveled through heavily flooded zones.
One rescuer explained that his team had been navigating the area using two boats when the group surrounded them, forced them to stop, and demanded all their belongings. The workers said they were coerced into giving up equipment, mobile phones, and personal valuables. The rescuer further pointed out that several makeshift obstacles had been placed in the water, indicating that the ambush may have been premeditated. The closure of Saphan Dum during the operation added another layer of difficulty for relief personnel attempting to assist stranded residents.
The video quickly gained attention online, prompting public concern and questions about regional safety during ongoing flood relief efforts. At Government House on Saturday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the situation directly. He stated that during his visit to District 8 on Thursday, he did not witness any illegal activities or violent behavior, despite the allegations circulating on social media. Anutin acknowledged that tensions can arise in heavily impacted communities but insisted that law enforcement officers were stationed in the area to maintain order and support operations.
The unfolding incident took on an additional dimension when police announced on Saturday that they had arrested six men for allegedly breaking into a parked freight car at the Hat Yai railway station, which is also located in District 8. Authorities, however, have not yet confirmed whether the arrests are related to the reported ambush. Investigators are reviewing the details captured in the viral video and statements from the rescue workers to determine the sequence of events and whether the perpetrators are among those detained.
Local officials emphasized that the safety of relief workers is a priority, particularly as Hat Yai continues to manage severe flooding and widespread disruptions. Rescue teams from various provinces have traveled to the city to support evacuation efforts, distribute supplies, and deliver assistance to communities cut off by high water levels.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with rescue teams and emphasized that obstructing or harming relief personnel carries serious legal consequences. Meanwhile, police presence in District 8 has been increased while investigations continue.
As Hat Yai prepares for additional rainfall, the government assures the public that both rescue operations and security measures will remain active to protect workers and residents alike.
