Run-off water from the North has reached Pathum Thani and will flow down to the capital soon.

There are fears about the coming days, because high sea-tides have been forecast from Monday to next Wednesday (October 23 to 25). Areas deemed to be at risk in the capital include Nong Chok, Klong Sam Wa and Lat Krabang.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Also, our officials have visited local people to explain to them about floods," Nong Chok district office director Sawetchai Sapboonmee said yesterday.

Nong Chok was already flooded with water 10-20cm deep in some areas yesterday, he said.

"With the run-off water from the North, the flooding situation is going to be aggravated."

Sawetchai said the district had been declared a disaster zone and people could claim compensation for flood-damaged crops.

In Klong Sam Wa, district office director Pairoj Sudjai said relevant officials had filled sandbags and used them to form a temporary embankment along canals, so new housing estates should be able to escape flooding.

However, he said some flooded areas would have to brace for higher levels of water when run-off from the North reached Bangkok.

"But we are closely in contact with these people. Assistance will surely reach them," Pairoj said.

People could get as many free sandbags as they needed from the Klong Sam Wa district office.

Lat Krabang district office director Pornlert Panwattana said he was really worried. His staff had built earthen ridges along road curbs to limit flooding.

"The ridges reach nearly one metre high. We're also handing out free sandbags. At least, that can prevent floodwater from invading people's houses," he said.

Pornlert said people could receive sandbags from the Lat Krabang district office or temples near their homes. So far, he said local people were aware of the situation and understood that officials were going all-out to help them.