Motee blog

Thai floods death toll reaches 7

Serious flooding in Thailand's south has left at least seven people dead, authorities said on Tuesday, as the country was struck by unseasonably cold weather.

Almost one million people have been affected by the heavy downpours across the southern region, according to a statement from the department of disaster prevention and mitigation.

Since the rains began six days ago, six people have died in Nakhon Si Thammarat -- the hardest hit province -- and one in Phatthalung, the statement said.

Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban said it was difficult to help flood victims due to the severe weather, including strong winds.

"As soon as visibility returns to normal, the southern army regional headquarters will airlift necessary supplies to those who are stranded, and evacuate patients," he told reporters.

Trains have been cancelled and airports closed in the region, including on the popular resort island of Samui, and emergency disaster zones have been declared in 63 districts across seven provinces.

The cold snap has also spelt trouble for tourism, with 600 tourists unable to leave Samui owing to cancelled flights on Monday, and the airport still closed on Tuesday, the airport operator said.

Devastating flooding across Thailand late last year left more than 220 people dead, damaging the homes or livelihoods of an estimated 8.6 million people in 51 of the kingdom's 76 provinces.