PSU and more than 30 partners launch “Hat Yai Model Plus” to advance flood research and develop a national model for disaster management
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has signed a research collaboration agreement with more than 30 partner organizations to launch the “Hat Yai Model Plus” initiative. The project integrates research, technology, innovation, and multidisciplinary expertise to strengthen flood preparedness and resilience in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, under the theme “Countdown to a Disaster-Resilient Hat Yai.” The signing ceremony was held on July 20, 2026, at the Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Jirawat Maneechoti, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, and attended by Assistant Professor Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, Professor Dr. Komgrit Leksakul, Deputy Director of the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), Dr. Yupin Lertburut, Research and Innovation Promotion Expert from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), along with representatives from government agencies, local authorities, the private sector, researchers, community organizations, and the media.
Research-driven solutions for Hat Yai's flood challenges
Hat Yai serves as Southern Thailand's economic, educational, medical, transportation, and tourism hub. However, it also faces recurring flood disasters caused by a combination of geographical conditions, rapid urban expansion, and the impacts of climate change. These floods have repeatedly affected local communities, businesses, and the regional economy.
Lessons learned from previous flood events have revealed limitations in disaster management, including gaps in early warning systems, data integration, interagency communication, and community preparedness. Hat Yai Model Plus was developed to address these challenges by applying science, research, and innovation to create a more integrated and effective flood management system.
Four key research projects of Hat Yai Model Plus
The initiative brings together four major research projects developed by Prince of Songkla University:
- a real-time flood early warning system integrating spatial rainfall forecasting, hydrological modeling, and artificial intelligence to improve flood risk management in the U-Tapao Canal Basin
- a public health emergency information network to enhance emergency response and disaster management.
- the development of Smart Shelters designed to improve safety and support communities during flood emergencies
- a community resilience program based on the Hat Yai Model Plus framework, aimed at strengthening local preparedness and disaster response capacity.
These projects are supported by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) through research funding provided by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
The signing of the memorandum of understanding represents a shared commitment among more than 30 organizations, including government agencies, academic institutions, local administrative organizations, water resource authorities, disaster prevention agencies, public health organizations, private businesses, industry representatives, and community partners.
More than a formal agreement, the partnership establishes a collaborative framework for sharing data, coordinating planning, strengthening early warning systems, exchanging resources, and integrating operations across sectors. Together, these efforts aim to develop an efficient, sustainable flood management model that can serve as a prototype for disaster preparedness and resilience throughout Thailand.