Eight Thailand regions hit by flood

BANGKOK - Torrential rains have led to flooding in eight regions in Thailand with more than 15,000 households displaced.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), in a statement, listed the affected regions as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Yala, Songkhla, Narathiwat, and Pattani in southern Thailand as well as Amnat Charoen (northeast) and Chanthaburi (east).

"Up till 4 pm today (local time), 15,696 households from 305 villages located in 33 districts were affected by floods. The authorities will expedite the assessment of the damage caused," it stated.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 45th Ranger Regiment Col Thawirat Benjatikul said three people died and another two were injured when their vehicle was swept away by strong currents in Narathiwat.

All five were members of one family, including a 68 -year-old woman, her 40-year-old son, her daughter-in-law,38, and two grandchildren, ages 14 and 2 years.

"When they arrived at the scene, the vehicle, which was driven by the man, was swept away by the strong current.

"The rescue team rushed to the spot but it could only rescue the driver and his 14-year-old son. The other three who were trapped in the vehicle had collapsed. They were sent to the hospital but pronounced dead," he said.

Meanwhile, the governor of Surat Thani, Wichawut Jinto ordered all boats to stay ashore following high waves.

He also announced that ferry services have also been temporarily suspended due to the bad weather.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department warned of continuous rainfall and isolated torrential rains in the south of the country.

"People should be beware of the severe condition that may cause flash floods and overflows, especially along the foothills near waterways and lowlands," it said.

The Meteorological Department warned of high waves measuring one to two metres high in the Gulf of Thailand.

"All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats keep ashore," it said.- BERNAMA