Footage shows how heavy rain this morning turned a motorway in Bangkok into a canal.

The tropical thunderstorm shortly before 8 am local time swamped roads causing severe traffic around the Thai capital.

A flyover above the city's Phetkasem intersection resembled an aqueduct with torrents sloshing against the concrete road barriers.

Thailand - approaching its annual monsoon rainy season - suffers chronic flooding due to its rudimentary infrastructure.

However, government chiefs at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) are now working with Weathernews Inc. of Japan to introduce AI for predicting rain.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said: 'Flooding is a major problem in Bangkok. If the area that will experience heavy rain can be predicted in advance, we will be able to prepare for it better.

By utilising AI Nowcast system, Bangkok can analyse weather data and enhance the performance of its existing radar stations at Nong Khaem and Nong Chok.

'This allows for more accurate rain predictions three hours in advance. Bangkok can provide warnings and prepare tools and equipment to better cope with heavy rain and flooding, which represents good progress for the city.'