Drivers making the morning commute had be battle through flooded roads after heavy rain in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.

Monsoon downpours began at 5am this morning (19/09) causing flash floods that blocked roads including to the city's airport.

The water was up to 50cm deep in some parts, causing traffic jams around the area while locals had to wade through the torrent holding umbrellas.

The Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office said police and volunteers used pumps to clear the deluge.

''We expect the situation to be back to normal by the afternoon once the rain has stopped and the floods have subsided,'' they said in a statement.

Yesterday (19/09) evening part of a shopping mall roof in Bangkok collapsed after electrical storms brought lightning, thunder and heavy rain to the capital.

The region is at the peak of the rainy season which sees driving downpours almost every day.