NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The Mun River burst its banks on Thursday, flooding many communities in Phimai district.
Floodwater rose to 1-1.5 metres deep at riverside Khum Bang Wang community in tambon Nai Muang, Many householders evacuated their homes, taking prized belongings and setting up tents on a road well above the water.
Residents said the flooding in the district was worse than last year, with the water level approaching the disastrous floods of 10 years ago.
Phimai Muang Mai market and surrounding communities were inundated, with the water contnuing to rise. Vendors and householders raced against time to move their belongings to higher areas.
Local authorities on Thursday installed large water pumps to help drain the water from affected areas.
The Phimai flood operations centre on Thursday reported the water level at the Phimai dam was 153.33 metres, exceeding its critical point of 153.10 metres.
A reported 69 villages, in six groups, have been flooded in the district and a total 1,405 households affected. Sixteen roads were under water and 10,708 rai of farmland damaged.
Local officials were monitorng the situation and coordinating with local leaders in preparing temporary shelters for use if the floodwater rises to dangerous levels.