The death toll from the catastrophic floods that swept across southern Thailand has risen to at least 145, according to officials, as receding waters reveal widespread destruction across multiple provinces.

After a week of relentless rainfall, emergency teams have begun accessing previously submerged districts, uncovering damage to homes, roads, hospitals and vital infrastructure on a scale not seen in years.

More than three million people were affected by severe flooding across 12 provinces, with Songkhla and its regional hub of Hat Yai suffering the heaviest losses.

Hat Yai recorded a historic deluge, with more than 330 millimetres of rain falling within a single day, overwhelming drainage systems and triggering rapid inundation that left residents with little time to evacuate.

As waters slowly retreat, thousands of families remain displaced, and shelters continue to receive evacuees from low-lying communities.

Authorities estimate significant destruction across the region, including damaged hospitals, schools, major road links and power installations.

Emergency workers, supported by the armed forces, have been distributing food, water and essential medical supplies to areas that remain partly isolated.

Government agencies have cautioned that further rainfall could complicate recovery efforts, urging residents in vulnerable zones to remain vigilant.

Cleanup operations are now underway in Hat Yai and neighbouring cities, but officials warn that full restoration will require substantial time and resources.

The scale of the disaster has renewed calls for strengthened flood-management systems and long-term resilience planning across Thailand’s southern provinces.