Relevant authorities yesterday remained unable to confirm when service would resume at the airport in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Operations were suspended on Thursday at the airport as serious flooding spread through the province and region.

According to airport officials, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith and Airports Department’s director general Darun Sangchai inspected the site on Friday for an assessment, focusing on the runway and safety equipment. “Safety must meet the highest standards before the re-opening of airports,” the airport administration announced.

They promised to keep passengers updated about the situation.

There were usually about 20 flights daily between Bangkok and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The suspension has affected thousands of people.

Nakhon Si Thammarat is just one of eight southern provinces now facing the raging flooding.

In another southern province of Trang, at least four flood-related deaths have been reported.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha visited Trang yesterday and handed over Bt50,000 compensation from the government to the families of the deceased.

He also visited flood-affected zones and handed out relief items to flood victims.