Flooding blocks Highway 401 as officials evacuate tourists

SURAT THANI — 19 September 2026, Heavy rain has caused flooding along Highway 401 in Surat Thani, leaving the road impassable for small vehicles and prompting authorities to evacuate Thai and foreign tourists from the affected area.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) sent officers to assist tourists in Khlong Sok subdistrict, where flooding made movement difficult.

Floodwater covered the road surface of Highway 401 at kilometer 66+600, formerly kilometer 85+000. Small vehicles were unable to pass through the flooded section.

The DDPM’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center Region 11 in Surat Thani deployed a high-clearance rescue vehicle capable of moving through deep floodwater to help evacuate tourists from the area.

The Surat Thani Highway District 3 (Wiang Sa) temporarily closed the affected section of the highway and advised motorists to use Highway 4118 as an alternative route when traveling toward Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga.

Authorities urged residents and tourists to exercise extra caution while traveling and strictly follow instructions from officials as the situation develops.