In Tambon Bang Ta Ten in Song Phi Nong district as many as 3,500 families have been affected by floodwaters.

Eighteen villages in tambon Bang Ta Ten have been completely flooded since October 15.

Kumalak Srikitchakarn, chairman of Bang Ta Ten Tambon Administrative Organisation, said this years' floods were the worst in 40 years. Waters had receded in Muang district, Bang Pla Ma and Bang Ta Ten districts remained inundated. As many as 17,000 people are in distress, he said.

"I asked the Suphan Buri Provincial Administration Organisation to help with drinking water and waste barges. The Tambon Administrative Organisation does not have the money to repair damage because it was all spent on flood prevention. It needs help," Kumalak said.

Rice paddies and shrimp farms have been destroyed.

Households will need government help when waters recede, he said.

Meanwhile, doctors are treating infectious skin disease at Bang Ban and Phak Hai districts in Ayutthaya.

Villager Krongkaew Khanthabundit, 46, said insufficient fresh water forced people to use floodwaters for bathing and this caused skin disease.

Medical Services Department directorgeneral Chatree Banchuen warned people to be careful with food and water.

The Nation