GRIDLOCK IN BANGKOK AFTER BIG STORM

       Heavy rain deluged many parts of Bangkok yesterday evening, paralysing traffic across the city.
       Traffic moved at a snail's pace on Lat Phrao Road, which was partly flooded.
       Gridlock was reported on main roads like Suksawad, Bang Na-Trat and Srinakarin.
       After standing still since 5pm, traffic from Bang Na to Suhumvit started to ease around 9pm.
       At press time, many company employees were still staying put inside their offices to avoid heavy rain and the traffic nightmare.
       The worst traffic congestion was at Sri-Udom intersection, where a tunnel-construction project was in progress and police were hard stretched trying to direct the traffic flow.
       Hail was reported in the Udomsuk area, and on the Srinakarin Road the rainstorm uprooted trees.
       Meanwhile, three villages in Tambon Nasao in Nan's Mueang district were hit with flash floods early yesterday.
       Water and mud swept through 80 houses leaving residents'belongings underwater and sweeping away livestock and chickens. Paddies were inundated and road surfaces damaged.
       A villager, Thawat Kongchoom said drinking water was in short supply after sources were contaminated with mud.