Persistent rain has caused rivers to overflow, flooding and landslides in the upper North, with six people confirmed killed and four injured.
In the northernmost province of Chiang Rai, disaster mitigation officials said there was heavy flooding in tambons Mae Sai, Wiang Pang Kham and Koh Chang in Mae Sai district. The floodwater was about one metre deep and flowing strongly.
People in flood-affected areas near the overflowing Sai River in Mae Sai district were advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
In Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, also in Mae Sai district, floodwater was pouring out of Tham Luang Cave, widely known as the site of the flooded cave rescue mission in 2018.
Among those trapped on the roof of his home by rising floodwaters in Mae Sai was Ekkapol Chantawong, the coach of the Wild Boars football team of Tham Luang fame. He told AFP he was drawing on his experience of six years ago to get through his latest ordeal.
In Mae Fah Luang district, a house was hit by a landslide. One resident was killed, two severely injured and another was still missing.
In Muang district, the Kok River overflowed into nearby communities.
Local irrigation authorities said the flow of the Kok River was critically high at 1,000 cubic metres per second, swollen by runoff from Myanmar.
In Mae Chan district, the Chan and Kham Uen rivers overflowed.
Rescuers were helping people stranded in their homes in Chiang Rai. Many residents posted requests on social media for help, along with photos of the flooding at their houses.
The strong current was making rescue efforts difficult. Flooded residents were advised to move to higher ground pending evacuation, but not to try wading through the fast-flowing water.
In Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai, two landslides hit tambon Doi Laem on Tuesday, killing six people and injuring three others. People in nearby districts have been warned of possible flash floods and runoff.
People in nearby districts have been warned of possible flash floods and runoff.
Wat Phasukkaram or Wat Mai Lung Khon in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai is under floodwater. Thirty-eight people — including 4 monks, 8 novices and Buddhist devotees — have been unable to leave the compound. People living around the temple are also affected. (Photo: Akitjaro Bhikkhu Facebook account)
A temple in Mae Sai was also flooded, marooning 38 people inside, including monks, novices and laymen.
A monk at Wat Phasukkaram, known locally as Wat Mai Lung Khon, posted a message with a video showing the flooded temple grounds and asking for help.
One devotee who came to make merit at the temple on Tuesday was among the 38 people still unable to leave, wrote the monk. He asked anyone who spotted a rescue team or boat with food boxes to direct them to the temple.
Elsewhere, residents of single-storey houses were seen sitting, stranded on the roofs. Elderly people who could not climb up onto their roof were perched atop cabinets inside their flooded homes.
A video posted by Panadda Wongphudee (below) shows the strong flood current from the overflowing Sai River in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai on Wednesday.
The flooded entrance to Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park in Mai Sai district of Chiang Rai province on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park)
A landslide in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai province. (Photo: Panumet Tanraksa)