Dissathorn Vajarodaya, a deputy director of His Majesty's Private Affairs Division, said the King was very worried about the welfare of those affected and had instructed all relevant agencies to directly oversee relief operations to make sure they are effective and sustainable.

A large number of relief items and survival kits have been delivered through the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation. Children of flood-hit families will also be assisted in case their studies are affected.

A committee representing officials from relevant agencies has been set up. It is chaired by Somphol Phanmanee, secretary-general of the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board, and comprises governors from all affected provinces.

On Monday, 400 survival kits provided by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn were distributed to villagers in Laem Talumphuk in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district.

Governor Wichon Thongsong said a 225-metre stretch of beachfront connecting to the Pak Panang River basin had been deteriorated by tidal waves.

Storms and tidal waves have destroyed 20 homes, personal and public property and affected more than 14,000 people in two districts.

In neighbouring Surat Thani, five shrimp farms have been damaged, resulting in around Bt5 million in damage.

A weather report issued yesterday said high seas and tidal waves were expected in the Gulf of Thailand tomorrow. Residents living along the coast have been warned to expect a storm and potentially destructive waves.

Rescue units in Surat Thani and Songkhla provinces have been put on standby around the clock.

Disaster prevention officials called on residents to monitor weather forecasts and warnings from authorities.