Homes were flooded when monsoon storms hit villages in southern Thailand over the weekend.

The deluge was caused by mountain runoff and swollen rivers during heavy rain in Phang Nga province, authorities said.

Residents grappling with the floods said the downpour went on for two days, resulting in torrents that entered houses, and roads inundated in up to 20 inches of water.

Vans, motorcycles, and smaller vehicles had stalled while trying to cross the deluge, they said.

Takua Pa police officers, along with Highway Police and Border Patrol Police Company 425, were stationed along highways to reroute travellers headed to tourist destinations, including holiday island Phuket.

The flooding had caused widespread damage to numerous households in the Takua Pa, Thai Mueang, Kapong, and Mueang Phang Nga districts, officials said.

A concrete dam unused for 10 years had collapsed behind the Phang Nga provincial stadium, sparking concerns the debris might clog the river and cause the water level to rise.

Local media reported that the water began to recede on Sunday, July 2, as heavy rains eased.

Phang Nga governor Ekkarat Leesen said he has ordered all district officials to provide support to affected citizens and assess the damages for compensation purposes.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are approaching their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.