Torrential rains hit eastern Thailand and left roads and cars submerged in heavy flood on Tuesday.

Footage shows the downpour battering Rayong province, spawning flash floods that covered the Rayong Bypass road on October 3.

Locals battled to evacuate their pets and move waterlogged vehicles out of the deluge.

The Thai Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon was prevailing across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Heavy rains were expected in the lower northeast, central, southern, and eastern regions, as well as the capital Bangkok and its vicinity.

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