Markets flooded as heavy rain continues to lash northern Thailand

Markets were swamped as record floods battered northern Thailand.

The Ping River burst its banks and overflowed into several districts of flood-stricken Chiang Mai province on the night of September 25.

Authorities said more than 2,000 homes and several commercial zones were affected by the deluge, including the San Pa Khoi Market, Charoen Prathet, and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar where floods reached up to three feet.

Vendors battled to salvage their wares from water damage as the Ping River level reached a record 16.17 feet - just slightly more than the previous record of 16 feet set in 2011.

Market stallholder Wirat Ploythong said: 'My family has been selling at this market for over 60 years since my mother's generation. This flood is as severe as the ones in 2005 and 2011, which were the worst we have ever experienced. The water entered my store and damaged some items. I tried to move them to higher ground, but the water level rose too quickly.'

Irrigation officials said the Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam was also nearing full capacity, with 20 million out of 277 million cubic metres remaining. The overflow is expected to cause the Ping River level to rise by around 20 inches.

Heavy rains have been ravaging northern Thailand in recent weeks. The seasonal downpours have caused severe floods as rivers bordering Myanmar spilled over into communities.

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.