Heavy rain triggered flash floods that submerged thousands of homes in northern Thailand.

Large parts of Chiang Rai province were submerged on Friday morning following the torrential downpours.

Officials said the large amount of water mass flowing from steep mountains into lowland areas caused the deluge.

The water level in some areas rose higher than 3.3ft, causing many residents to evacuate to higher ground in the middle of the night.

The provincial disaster and mitigation office monitored the rain situation from weather stations in the area.

They found that it was still raining continuously and heavily in Phaya Mengrai district, especially in Mae Pao and Tad Khwan sub-districts.

They said there was a high risk of more rapid flash floods in the evening and night on this day.

The office warned residents in lowland areas to move their belongings to higher ground and to take care of vulnerable groups such as elders, young children, and bedridden patients while also following updates from local authorities.

In response, the 37th Military District Company dispatched officers along with the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office and rescue teams to assist flood victims.

They provided support for residents by transporting victims and setting up temporary safety areas.

They also prepared entry routes to areas where floods had cut off access to ensure the assistance was as quick as possible.

Officers successfully rescued around 10 bedridden patients and victims who were stuck inside their houses.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasted that the monsoon trough lies across the upper North of Thailand and upper Laos into the low-pressure cell over upper Vietnam, while the moderate southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf.

Isolated heavy rains are likely in upper Thailand, with isolated thundershowers expected in the South.

The department also warned that northern Thailand, including Chiang Rai, faces widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rains.