Hat Yai to Phuket
 

Wondering about best, fastest way to get from Hat Yai (or Songkhla) to Phuket -- either long weekend or week off -- short term assignment with work in Songkhla, yet desire to visit friends now relocated to Phuket from BKK.

Many transportation options in this region have been negatively impacted by the insurgency. I know that rail service has been discontinued after insurgents used explosives to derail a train.

I think Phuket Airlines might still offer service between HDY and HKT. Other than that it would be car, bus or mini-van (~ 450 Km). You could inquire in the Phuket or Southern Thailand sub-forums on ThaiVisa.

I believe Nok Air still flies this route. However, they were complaining about low loads in a recent article, so don't count on it staying for too long...

Sounds like best option might be to fly to BKK and connect either same day or layover rather than embark on 450 km road trip.