Thousands of residents were evacuated as heavy rain flooded villages in southern Thailand on Monday.

Locals in low-lying areas of Phatthalung province fled from their homes after the water level surged on December 5.

Floods caused by storms and mountain runoff rushed into dozens of homes in villages near the Khao Banthat Phatthalung Wildlife Sanctuary and the Khao Pu and Khao Ya National Parks.

Rescuers trawled through villagers to evacuate the locals and move their belongings to higher ground.

Thailand's National Water Command Centre has issued a warning for villagers in 11 southern provinces to prepare for more rain and flood from December 8 to 11.

Local authorities were urged to monitor weather conditions especially in areas suffering chronic and severe flooding.