Flooding in southern Thailand toward the end of 2025 caused widespread disruption to daily life. Communities faced severe challenges to their livelihoods, food security, access to clean water, and other basic necessities essential for household well‑being.
World Vision Foundation of Thailand carries out disaster risk reduction and response operations based on humanitarian principles, through comprehensive community needs assessments that prioritize vulnerable groups such as children, older persons, and families who lack sources of income after crises. This approach aligns with World Vision Thailand’s mission to protect children, strengthen families, and reduce communities’ long-term vulnerability to disasters.
This intervention forms part of the Southern Flood Recovery Project 2025, supported by funding from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Through the project, rice, dry food supplies, and hygiene kits were distributed to help ease immediate hardship among flood‑affected communities.
The project reached more than 600 families—3,493 individuals in total—including 1,742 children. This assistance has played a critical role in strengthening food security, stabilizing households, and supporting families during the post‑crisis recovery period.
Ms. Nongnuch Kangnork, School Director in Narathiwat Province, reflected on the impact of the flooding on children and their families:
“Toward the end of 2025, when the flooding occurred, most communities where students live are located in low-lying coastal areas. When flooding coincided with high tides, homes were inundated, and students were unable to travel to school. Many families suffered severe losses, including school uniforms, learning materials, and textbooks that were damaged or washed away. In addition, many parents could not go to work, lost income, and were unable to support their children’s education.”
Beyond material damage, the floods disrupted learning opportunities and threatened long‑term household stability. These realities underscore the importance of recovery efforts that extend beyond immediate relief to restoring dignity, security, and hope for children and families.
One of the families supported through the project is that of 13‑year‑old Miss Phannada, known as “Bismie,” who lives with her parents and sibling in a flood‑affected community. The family relies on casual labor, rubber tapping, and small‑scale farming—livelihoods that were abruptly halted by the floods.
Bismie’s mother, Ms. Soroda, shared that the flooding occurred rapidly. While some families were able to evacuate, her family could not leave the area, leading to a loss of income and food shortages.
Bismie still vividly remembers the challenges they faced:
“It was very difficult. Food was hard to find, and bringing rice or assistance into the area was challenging because our house is further inside,” Bismie said.
Although the flooding lasted only a few days, its effects lingered. Livelihoods were slow to recover, and families continued to struggle with food and essential household expenses.
Receiving rice and dry food through the flood recovery project provided meaningful relief for Bismie’s family and hundreds of others in the community.
“I am very grateful. Today’s support has helped ease our burden and made things less difficult for our family,” Ms. Soroda shared.
With the support of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, World Vision Foundation of Thailand has been able to continue its flood recovery initiatives. This partnership reflects the strength of international cooperation in responding to humanitarian crises and investing in the long‑term well‑being of children and families.
The assistance provided goes beyond short‑term relief. It is part of an integrated recovery approach that links disaster response, child protection, and sustainable community development.
“On behalf of the children, families, and community, I would like to sincerely thank the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and World Vision Foundation of Thailand for prioritizing basic needs for daily living. This assistance has helped ease financial burdens and provided vital encouragement to both children and parents,” Ms. Nongnuch Kangnork, School Director
Although the road to recovery will take time, World Vision Foundation of Thailand reaffirms its role in standing alongside children and families in times of crisis through support that is aligned with community needs. Every act of assistance today represents an important step that enables them to rise and move forward with hope, dignity, and a sense of stability in life that is gradually being restored.
