A low-lying farming area in Khirimat district of Sukhothai province is still flooded by torrential rain which began on May 16 and hit 15 provinces in upper Thailand, causing flash floods and river overflows, according to Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-general Kobchai Boon-orana.
Mr Kobchai said the situation has eased in 14 of the 15 provinces. The floods are estimated to have affected 39,654 people in 17,119 households, and damaged 17,655 rai of farmland.
He said that only a low-lying farming area farming in Sukhothai's Khirimat district is still flooded, particularly in tambons Samphuang and Thung Luang. The water level has continued to recede as provincial authorities have pumped water out through the Pak Phra watergate in tambon Yang Sai.
The department has instructed its provincial offices to speed up the pumping of water from the flooded areas, remove materials obstructing waterways and identify areas to use for water retention when necessary.
The officials have also been instructed to help repair villagers' houses and roads damaged by flooding.
Mr Kobchai said that according to an announcement of the Meteorological Department, an active low pressure area over the centre of Bengal Bay is expected to move north to the upper part of the bay and Myanmar on May 28 and 29, while the strong southwest monsoon prevails across the Andaman Sea and Thailand.
As a result, there will be abundant rainfall with torrential downpours all over the country. Strong waves are expected in the Andaman Sea.
Rain will be widespread in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak in the North; Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya and Bangkok in Central Thailand; Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat in the East; Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan in the lower central region; and Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket and Krabi in the South.
People should beware of possible flash floods. Waves are likely to be two or three metres high in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand. All vessels are advised to proceed with caution, and small boats in the Andaman Sea should remain ashore.