A motorcycle rider clung onto bamboo trees as rescuers battled to save him from raging floods that submerged a road during heavy rain in Thailand.

Video shows volunteers wading through the gushing torrents then tossing a rope to rescue the stranded motorist in Roi Et province on September 15.

The rider said he had been travelling along the road when the water suddenly swelled and swept his vehicle away.

Though he had lost his ride, he managed to grab onto the thicket before he was rescued by the crew.

He said: 'I didn't realise how strong the water was so I thought it would be fine to ride through.'

The Thai Meteorological Department had forecasted heavy rain to fall in Roi Et province.

Local media reported that runoff had flooded roads in low-lying areas, with some schools submerged in up to 50cm of water.

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.