Bangkok, Oct 15 (IANS): Eight Thai provinces are still fighting floods, but the situation is expected to improve if there is no more rain in coming days, the department of disaster prevention and mitigation (DDPM) said on Thursday.

Flooding continues in a total of 17 districts in provinces of Rayong, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Kamphaeng Phet, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Sawan and Phichit, the dpeartment's Director-General Chatchai Promlert said, adding the situation will return to normal in a few days.

According to Chatchai, Bangkok is expected to have heavy rainfall throughout October, which will lead to heightened water levels in most canals and likely cause floods, Xinhua news agency reported.

The department has decided to set up a coordination centre for flood relief in the capital, which will monitor weather conditions and closely cooperate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in flood relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the social development and human security ministry has instructed relevant provincial agencies to offer urgent assistance to vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas, including children, women, seniors and the disabled.