Deputy PM Phiphat, chairing flood response for 14 southern provinces, says rain will intensify through early January (2027). Preparations are at an early stage and a 800 million baht budget has been approved to repair Khlong Phutthinat Damrong (Khlong Rama I) in Hat Yai, which he believes will finish before the flood season. He would not rule out a repeat of the 2025 Hat Yai flooding. For southern SMEs: plan for flood disruption to stock, transport and premises through the end of the year, and check local warning channels, since the article notes past delays in alerts.