At least 14 people have died and eight more injured due to flooding in southern Thailand, officials confirmed today.

Officials at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said that while the situation has eased in some areas, persistent flooding continues to affect the three southern-most provinces.

Heavy rains and strong winds are expected in the area up until the New Year according to the Thai Meteorological Department.

Severe weather warnings were issued today for the Gulf of Thailand, with heavy winds and waves expected.

The floods have so far affected 1,415 villages causing the closure of 237 schools, 32 religious sites and 17 government offices.

Last week, the area was declared a disaster zone by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

- dpa