BANGKOK - Thai authorities in southern Songkhla province have evacuated seaside residents in Ranot district as high waves continue pounding the shore, and the governor is currently deciding whether to announce six districts along the shoreline as disaster areas, local media reported on Monday.

Governor Kritsada Boonrach inspected a village in Khlong Dan sub-district after 2-3 metre waves smashed the coast, forcing some 50 people of 20 households, mostly children and elders, to evacuate for a temporary stay at a nearby temple.

The panicked villagers said the strong wind and huge waves were the most severe in recent years, and it was also the third time this year.

Provincial authorities distributed relief packages and a medical team has been sent. A two million baht budget will be allocated to help repair homes damaged by the waves.

The weather service warned that the ongoing northeast monsoon would cause scattered rainfall and isolated heavy rain in the lower South with waves 2-5 meters high in the Gulf of Thailand. Residents along the coastline are warned of high waves. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats keep ashore in the next few days.

Hugh waves also hit some other southern provinces of Chumpon, Surat Thani and Prachuab Kirikan on Sunday, damaging hundreds houses, shops, restaurants and resorts as well as forcing a thousand of residents to evacuate.