The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned British travellers in Thailand to exercise caution due to widespread flooding.

There have been at least 260 deaths since July and the Government has estimated that property damage could total $3 billion dollars.

Meanwhile barriers including complex system of flood walls, canals, dikes and underground tunnels have protected Thailand’s capital Bangkok from flooding.

But thousands of people outside the capital remain displaced as towns have become submerged in water.

The FCO said: “September and October are the height of the monsoon season in Thailand. Heavy rainfall across the country continues to cause widespread flooding, flash floods and mudslides and has resulted in disruption and over 260 deaths.

“The most affected areas are the north, north-east and central Thailand. Airports, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport are operating normally.

“There has been some disruption to road and rail transport, particularly on routes north of Bangkok. If you are in an affected area exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.”

The monsoon season which affects Southeast Asia each year has resulted in unusually severe rains this year, killing hundreds of people across the region.