KKU President Mobilises Institutional Support, Donating 500,000 Baht to Southern Flood Relief via Prince of Songkla University’s Aid Fund

3 December 2025
14:14

Khon Kaen University (KKU), led by President Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., has demonstrated profound solidarity with the flood-affected southern provinces by donating £500,000 through the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Disaster Relief Account.

Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University

On Wednesday, 3 December 2025, Khon Kaen University President Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., announced a significant financial contribution to the southern region, where widespread and severe flooding affected multiple provinces. The University officially transferred Baht 500,000 (five hundred thousand) to the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) account designated for flood victims.

This generous sum represents a collective effort, drawing donations from the general public, KKU personnel, students, and supplementary funds provided by the University itself. In addition to the monetary donation, essential consumer goods were also collected and dispatched to assist in immediate relief efforts for the affected population.

Aid from Khon Kaen University to Prince of Songkla University

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai stated that the Baht 500,000 delivered to PSU originated from the collective compassion of citizens, KKU staff, and students, supplemented by institutional contributions. He emphasised that this joint effort underscores the spirit of unity and concern that Khon Kaen University holds for the citizens across all regions of Thailand.

“This contribution reinforces KKU’s role in social stewardship and its commitment to standing alongside disaster victims during times of crisis,” said Associate Professor Charnchai. “The University strongly hopes that this support will enhance the operations of local agencies, enabling them to provide timely and comprehensive assistance to those in need.”

According to information released by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) on 28 November 2025, at 06:00 hrs, the flood situation affected nine southern provinces: Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The disaster impacted 105 districts, 723 sub-districts, and 5,381 villages, affecting 1,226,627 households, totalling 3,542,583 people.

The province of Songkhla was particularly devastated by the weather phenomenon known as a “Rain Bomb.” This led to severe flash flooding in major urban centres like Hat Yai district, where accumulated rainfall reached a recorded high of 335 millimetres within 24 hours. Authorities were forced to evacuate residents from high-risk areas, and the municipality of Hat Yai was eventually declared a disaster zone. Numerous hospitals had to relocate patients as floodwaters inundated facilities, while schools and main roadways were cut off. Economic activities halted, and both transport and tourism suffered severe setbacks.

Although the floodwaters have now receded and the situation is returning to normal, all regions require urgent and comprehensive restoration efforts. Immediate priorities include the repair of critical infrastructure, cleaning and restoration of homes, public health monitoring (especially controlling waterborne diseases), economic and vocational rehabilitation, educational facility recovery, and, critically, mental health support and community rebuilding. This latter area requires extensive counselling for vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, who have experienced significant emotional trauma.

Associate Professor Charnchai concluded by extending heartfelt encouragement to all families in the South, wishing them a swift recovery from this challenging event.