Hat yai: Demand for insurance coverage packages to Thailand has dropped significantly, following the flood disaster which struck Hat Yai on Nov 22. Gothai.my Sdn Bhd managing director Mohd Syafiq Johari said since the incident, the company has seen a 90 per cent decline in sales, particularly over this weekend.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Syafiq explained that the company, which typically sells around 1,000 insurance packages every Friday to Sunday to Malaysians traveling to Thailand, has been heavily impacted. The decline in sales is primarily due to the floods, as travelers are wary of visiting the affected region.

The company, based in Napoh, Jitra, has also been processing refunds for customers who canceled their travel plans to Thailand, particularly to Hat Yai. Mohd Syafiq noted that the refunds have amounted to tens of thousands of ringgit since the floods began. He emphasized that the company is committed to customer satisfaction and understands the necessity of cancellations given the circumstances.

In response to the situation, Mohd Syafiq advised Malaysians planning future trips to southern Thailand, including Hat Yai, to ensure they have insurance that covers natural disasters and to activate their overseas protection. While the floodwaters in Hat Yai have receded and clean-up efforts are underway, he mentioned that it might take several weeks for the city to recover fully and become a popular destination for Malaysian travelers again.

Meanwhile, travel agent Ahmad Afiq Haron reported that his business has also suffered due to the floods, with numerous clients canceling their plans to visit Hat Yai. Some clients have shifted their travel plans to other destinations in southern Thailand, such as Satun. Despite the receding floodwaters, he cautioned against traveling to Hat Yai at this time, citing warnings from the Thai government about potential subsequent flooding in the area.