In many areas of Muang district, boats were used in place of cars. Most areas in Pathiew and Tha Sae districts were also flooded. Relief supplies were being distributed in nine tambons in Tha Sae district.

Provincial Governor Phinai Anantaphong said more than 100 locations in Muang district were at risk of mudslides. But he said a canal built under the initiative of His Majesty the King may stop flooding in urban areas.

In Chanthaburi province, a rapid rise in the Chanthaburi River before noon yesterday caused panic among nearby residents. A two-hour tidal surge at a major dam left water only 40cm from the critical level and flooding city areas, officials said.

Floodwater inundated a large number of homes and roads in outer areas, including Makham and Khao Khitchakood districts. Residents were advised to move belongings to the upper floors of their homes.

A forecast yesterday warned of heavy rain across the country over the next few days, especially in Tak, four provinces in the upper Northeast, and the eastern areas of Chanthaburi and Trat. High seas are likely in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.