Thai floods death toll tops 800

Late reporting of deaths from the inundations in central and northern provinces — now largely receded — have seen fatality numbers continue to rise, the interior ministry said. A total of 823 flood-related deaths have now been recorded, including 10 in heavy November monsoon rains in the south of the kingdom, since the crisis began in July. Three people are still missing.

In his annual New Year speech, King Bhumibol Adulyadej regretted the devastation caused by the deluge and sent his sympathy to those affected. “The damage from the flood is the worst ever. It will serve as a reminder to people to be prepared because life is not always happy and people sometimes have to face hardship,” he said.