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"Around half of them received medical help this Saturday alone," permanent secretary Dr Prat Boonyawongvirot said yesterday.

Of all, 41 per cent suffers from athlete's foot, 32 per cent from colds and 11 per cent from rashes.

"Public health staff are reaching out to flood victims in boats," Prat said.

At least 36 provinces in Thailand are now suffering flooding. In worst-hit areas, people have evacuated to high ground. Many others are living on upper floors of homes.

In Muang Lop Buri, for example, floodwaters are two metres deep in many places.

In Kabin Buri, Prachin Buri floodwaters are threatening six low-lying communities and the Tha Prachum fresh market is also flooded.

"Floodwaters are more than two metres deep in many areas," Tambon Kabin Municipality mayor Rangsan Bootnien said yesterday.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, the overflowing Lamtakhong Dam has flooded the main city.

"I hope the situation will return to normal soon," Aim-orn Akarachata, 74, said.

Chao Phya River levels were around 1.52 metres yesterday morning, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to suggest the capital will not face serious flooding.

"Only those without flood barriers will be affected, and only for an hour when the high tide comes," Deputy Bangkok city clerk Somsak Klanpoj said.

 The BMA has built 2.5-metre-high flood barriers along the river protecting almost all the city.

"We have distributed relief packages to residents of flood-prone areas," Somsak said.