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As of press time, Udon Thani and Nong Khai were not accessible by trains.

"We are repairing the tracks where possible," the State Railway of Thailand's public relations chief Pairach Rojjaroen-ngarm said yesterday.

At present, flooding has wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, with a low-pressure ridge hovering over the lower North, upper Central and lower Northeast regions. The Meteorological Department has forecast more downpours in many provinces.

People living in the flooding-prone areas of Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Nakhon Sawan, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat have been warned of flash floods.

Many of these provinces are already reeling from damages caused by inundation.

Several villages in Chaiyaphum are submerged in metre-high floods and at least four schools have been closed due to inundation.

In Phitsanulok, two men were swept away early yesterday while they were standing by the banks of the Kwai Noi River. One of the victims was identified as Ngern Thongsuk, a relative of an executive with the UBC Joint Venture, which is constructing a dam in the province. The other victim was identified only as Ball. Rescue workers are still trying to retrieve the bodies.

In Nong Bua Lamphu, the body of a fourth victim, 33-year-old Utai Housewan, was found yesterday afternoon.

In Maha Sarakham, more than 70,000 rai of paddy fields are inundated.

The situation in Lop Buri is critical, with the worst hit areas submerged in up to 1.7 metres of water.

HRH Princess Srirasmi and HRH Princess Somsavali had their representatives distribute food and relief items to victims in Lop Buri yesterday.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is on alert as concerns that upriver run-offs may flood the capital.

"Directors of riverside district offices are instructed to be prepared," Bangkok city clerk Pongsak Semsant said.