KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 1 -- More than 1,000 Malaysian-owned vehicles are believed to be stranded in Hat Yai, southern Thailand, after severe flooding inundated the city from November 22.

According to Berita Harian, Leong Beng Tat, chair of the Sungai Petani Volunteer Firefighting Team (PBS), said between 1,200 and 1,500 vehicles were caught in the floods, including cars submerged in hotel basement car parks.

Recovery efforts have been hampered by restrictions that prevent Malaysian tow trucks from entering the affected areas.

"Malaysian tow trucks simply aren't allowed in. So the vehicles have to be moved by Thai tow trucks up to the border before we can take over," Leong said, as reported by the national daily.

He said the limitation has...