Bangkok, Dhu Al-Qa'dah 12, 1435, Sep 7, 2014, SPA -- Heavy monsoon rains are causing flooding in northern Thailand, dpa quoted reports as saying Sunday. The Thai Meteorological Department warned the country that storms were likely to continue as residents in hard-hit areas prepare for the worst. Parts of the northern provinces of Sukhothai and Chiang Rai had already experienced heavy flooding, and soldiers were deployed to provide relief. The Nation newspaper reported that the central region was also preparing for floodwaters as runoff from the northern regions approached. Floods have hit 27 provinces so far this year, leaving nine people dead and affecting thousands. --SPA 11:54 LOCAL TIME 08:54 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w