Heavy rain hit eastern Thailand causing severe floods that left dozens of homes swamped.

The torrential downpour triggered a widespread deluge as the Trat River burst its banks in Trat on June 9.

Footage shows residents wading through ankle-deep floods after the swollen river overflowed into nearby houses.

In-person classes were temporarily suspended amid rising water levels as schools shifted to remote learning.

Kanok Jairak, Wang Krachae subdistrict chief, blamed the flooding on a closed drainage canal.

He said: 'We sent a letter to the contractor three days ago warning of heavy rain, but when I visited the site, I saw that the waterway had only been opened to 80 centimetres (31 inches). That's not enough to drain the water quickly, which led to flooding in nearby homes.

'Residents in flood-prone areas or those living near the canal should move their belongings to higher ground and closely follow updates from local authorities as the heavy rain continues.'

Cherd Chuchart, project manager for the canal, said severity of the rainfall exceeded their expectations.

He said: 'We have sent backhoes to expand the waterway to allow for better drainage and ease the water levels.'

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.