The latest Meteorological Depart-ment warning said the typhoon - which was yesterday situated over Laos, about 180 kilometres east of the Northeast province of Ubon Ratchathani - continued to weaken while moving west towards Thailand.

Xangsane was expected to weaken further over Northeast Thailand. But the region was told to brace for heavy rain and strong gusts.

The department warned people in the Northeast to be aware of heavy rains bringing flash floods until Wednesday.

A warning for the South was issued as the southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the South, the East and the Gulf of Thailand intensified.

Typhoon Xangsane has already affected many areas. More than 2,000 houses in Chai Nat were flooded by water from the Chao Phya Dam as it reduced levels to cope with the onset of the storm.

Seasonal rains have hit other provinces including Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Angthong and Sing Buri.

In Bangkok, Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said additional water pumps had been installed in flood-prone Lat Krabang.