Tens of thousands affected as floods hit Thai south

Floods caused by intense rainfall have affected tens of thousands of people in Thailand's south, on Monday, with some roads and railway lines forced to close.

At least a dozen schools in the provinces of Yala and Narathiwat have been closed. The heavy rains have also caused problems at sea, with at least seven boats sunk in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea since 22nd December. The state railway company said that trains heading south to the Malaysian border were stopping at Yala. Authorities have warned residents in the provinces to be ready to evacuate if the floods get worse.