Mountain-side holiday resorts said to be in danger from slips

The Department of Mineral Resources issued the warning after hearing Thailand was likely to face more frequent unusual weather patterns that could result in fiercer flash floods and mudslides in hilly terrain.

The devastating floods in Nakhon Ratchasima last year and in Nakhon Si Thammarat this year triggered deadly mudslides.

In many areas, the unseasonal heavy downpours measured at close to a metre a week.

Somjai Yensabai, chief of the DMR's geohazards division, said tragedy could hit mountain resorts as many had not been constructed in accordance with the landslide risk.

"We have found many small mountain resorts around the country inadequately prepared for landslides," Mr Somjai said.

"They were built without proper engineering practices. Some buildings in resorts in Chiang Rai, Samui and Phuket developed cracks and finally collapsed after being hit by mudslides."

He said developers of resorts in high mountain areas should adapt to natural threats, but many of them have ignored the department's suggestions.