Footage shows severe flooding with cars submerged by muddy water following heavy rain in Laos on Thursday.

The deluge swamped streets in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in the Pheung district of Bokeo province in the land-locked Communist country.

Large parts of northern Thailand near the border were also affected by the downpours.

Governor Chainarong Wongyai from neighboring Nan province said on August 22 that the rain had ceased, though 10 districts in the province remain heavily flooded.

Authorities reported more than 20 cars were damaged in the floods which also spilled into homes and shops in the northern region.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasted heavy rains across Thailand due to the monsoon season. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to prepare for flash floods.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are at the start of their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms. The rudimentary infrastructure often struggles with the deluge, leading to widespread flash floods.

The Thai Meteorological Department had forecasted widespread thunderstorms and heavy rain in northern Thai provinces, including Phayao.

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.