Flooding caused by continuous rain extended through eight southern provinces on Wednesday, affecting a large number of people and halting southbound train services at Thung Song junction in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Chatchai Phromlert, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said runoff and flash floods in the South were affecting Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang and Yala provinces.

In Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chalerm Prakiat, Cha-uat, Chian Yai, Chulabhorn, Hua Sai, Pak Phanang, Phra Phrom, Ron Phibun and Thung Song districts were inundated. A 90-year-old man drowned after falling into 50cm deep water in front of his house in tambon Khuan Phang of Ron Phibun district.

The southern railway track was under water in tambon Ti Wang of Thung Song district, and the State Railway of Thailand halted southbound trains to Trang and Kantang stations at Thung Song junction on Wednesday and into Thursday.

In Narathiwat, all 13 districts were declared flood-stricken zones. Runoff was flowing especially to Bacho, Muang, Rangae and Yi-ngo districts. Nearly 15,000 people were affected. Three local schools were closed.

In Pattani, all 12 districts were inundated, with deep flooding in Khok Pho, Mayo, Nong Chik, Kapho, Sai Buri and Thung Yang Daeng districts.

In Phatthalung, all 11 districts were flooded. Worst hit were Kong Ra, Khuan Khanun, Pa Phayom, Si Banphot and Si Nakharin districts.

In Songkhla, floods hit Hat Yai, Khuan Niang, Na Mom, Sadao and Saba Yoi districts.

In Surat Thani, flooded were Muang and Phunphin districts.

In Trang, about 8,000 people were affected in Huai Yot, Muang, Na Yong and Ratsada districts.

In Yala, floods covered Bannang Sata, Muang, Raman and Yaha districts. Closed indefinitely were 11 schools in Raman district and one in Muang district.

A drone's-eye view of flooding in Phra Phrom district, Nakhon Si Thammarat (photo by Nujaree Raekrun)