Hat Yai, Songkhla, 24 December 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today rolled out the Amazing Hatyai Happy Bus as part of the Smile@Hatyai – Bringing Smiles Back to Hat Yai post-flood recovery framework, supporting the return of Hat Yai to normal operations while strengthening urban mobility, visitor confidence, and tourism activity as the city reopens to domestic and international travellers.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Hat Yai’s recovery depends on keeping the city moving. Accessible and reliable transport is fundamental to restoring confidence, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that visitors can experience the city with ease. The Happy Bus is a practical solution that reflects our broader commitment under Smile@Hatyai to help the city recover strongly and sustainably.”
Delivered in partnership with the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, YEC Songkhla, the Songkhla Tourism Industry Council, and the Songkhla Provincial Transport Office, the Amazing Hatyai Happy Bus provides free public bus services within Hat Yai city from 24 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, easing urban travel for residents and visitors while supporting tourism-related businesses during the recovery period.
The service operates four minibuses certified to national transport standards, each with a capacity of 20 seats, across two main routes. One route runs between Hat Yai Railway Station and Prince of Songkla University, serving hotels, tourist attractions, and key city landmarks. The second route connects Prince of Songkla University, the Fountain Roundabout, and Hat Yai Railway Station, covering central commercial and economic districts.
Buses operate daily from 06.00 to 19.00 Hrs., with departures every hour. Passengers can track buses in real time via https://schoolbustracking.one.th/user–tracking, enabling convenient and safe access to tourist attractions, shops, hotels, and businesses throughout the city, while supporting economic activity and a positive tourism atmosphere.
The Happy Bus responds directly to post-flood challenges in Hat Yai, where damaged vehicles, disrupted traffic conditions, and reduced mobility affected daily movement and travel experiences. As a major economic and tourism centre in southern Thailand, the city relies heavily on efficient urban transport, particularly for travellers from neighbouring markets who depend on public transport to access accommodation, shopping areas, and attractions.
The Amazing Hatyai Happy Bus is expected to serve at least 15,000 passengers over its operating period and represents a tangible measure within the Smile@Hatyai framework.
Alongside the Happy Bus, TAT’s wider recovery efforts include confidence-building initiatives such as the Malaysia–Thailand caravan, destination image recovery, tourism events, joint marketing with airline partners, expansion of the MICE segment, and domestic travel promotion, all aimed at revitalising Hat Yai as a leading urban destination in southern Thailand.
