Residents of seven districts of Bangkok have been told to move valuables to higher ground and be ready to evacuate, as flooding which has swamped northern Thailand approaches the capital.

More than 300 people have been killed in the worst flooding to hit the country in decades.

The army and volunteers are working to shore up flood defences in Bangkok but there are fears barriers will not hold.

Officials said earlier this week that the capital would be safe.

The government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been criticised for giving what many in Thailand say has been unclear or conflicting information about the disaster.

At a news briefing on Wednesday, Ms Yingluck - who came to power in August with relatively little political experience - said her government had "done everything to the best of our ability" and asked for support from the public and media.

"I have left no stone unturned in this crisis but I cannot solve it alone," she said.

"We are facing the most severe flooding ever. We need encouragement, support and co-operation from all sectors and from all the people as well."

She urged people to "set aside politics" and work together to restore morale, and insisted the government was not concealing any information from the public.

'Be prepared'

The northern Thai provinces of Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Sawan have already been devastated by flooding.

The Bangkok districts now on alert are Sai Mai, Khlong Sam Wa, Bang Khen, Nong Jok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang and Kan Na Yao, all to the north of the capital.

The Thai air force has moved some of its planes from Don Muang international airport, by Sai Mai district, as a precaution.

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