A river that burst its banks after persistent rain has left part of northern Thailand underwater.

The Ping River overflowed causing floods in Chiang Mai city centre following days of incessant downpours, with officials fearing a repeat of the disastrous flooding in 2011, when the river level reached nearly five metres.

Footage shows the water with depths of up to 70 cm flowing into schools and hospitals and causing congestion on the roads on October 4.

Local media reported that water levels on Tuesday morning had receded to 4.51 metres - still higher than the risk threshold of 3.70 metres. Authorities said the flooding is still being monitored.

Chiang Mai governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn said: 'The flood was expected, but we were able to delay it from entering the city for a day.

'This was accomplished by sealing all drain lines, erecting a strong water barrier, and laying sandbags in sections where the embankment is low or exposed.'