The death toll from flash floods at three Trang waterfalls on Saturday has risen to 37. One person remains missing.

Rescue workers have restricted access to the Sairung and Prai Sawan falls in Yan Ta Khao district and the Lam Plok falls in Palian district. Searches continue for Yuwada Choosrirak, 39, at Prai Sawan.

Rescue workers recovered 23 bodies on Saturday and another 14 yesterday at three unspecified sites. Most victims were Trang residents. Just 28 victims have been identified.

The body of Lao national Saya Wongsa, 18, is being held at Trang Hospital until relatives arrive to claim it. Another 29 people suffered injuries in the powerful floods. Most were minor and just one required special treatment before being discharged from hospital.

A weather forecast yesterday warned of more flash floods today and tomorrow in the South and western areas of the country and caution is advised at waterfalls or low-lying, remote areas.

The risk of flash flooding is not as great in eastern areas, despite heavy rain. The region is less mountainous, the report said.

Local authorities in Nakhon Si Thammarat - where there has been heavy rain - warned people to stay away from waterfalls.

Trang authorities yesterday pleaded with the curious not to visit the waterfalls or interrupt rescue and recovery operations. Many have already crowded the areas, sparking traffic congestion.

National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department director-general Chalermsak Wanichsombat revealed yesterday tourists at the three waterfalls continued swimming on Saturday after verbal warnings by forest rangers of possible flash floods.

The warnings were given after park staff noticed river water turning red as a result of sediment being washed down from higher ground.

Trang Governor Anont Manaswanich said watchtowers with loudspeakers and sirens would be built at the three waterfalls and seven other sites along the Banthad range in Trang.

Mineral Resources Department director-general Aphichai Chawa-jaroenphan said the agency had designated all areas under its jurisdiction landslide and flash-flood risks. Tourist spots including waterfalls are the responsibility of the national parks department.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-colour, the sound of rushing water and unusual wildlife movement all suggest floods. Areas with substantial uprooted vegetation have suffered flooding and are potential sites for future flash floods.

"Tourists and campers are strongly advised to move to higher ground or leave areas near waterways or low-lying areas in the event of any of these signs," he added.

The families of the Trang victims will receive initial accident compensation of Bt25,000. If the victims were family breadwinners, compensation will increase to Bt40,000.