The Thai authorities have asked US military helicopters to survey flooding, which has hit the north and is now threatening the capital Bangkok.

Two Seahawk helicopters aboard the USS Mustin warship would conduct "aerial reconnaissance", the Pentagon said.

The warship is docked at the port of Laem Chabang, just south of Bangkok.

Thai officials say high tides due on Saturday and the flow of run-off water from inundated central plains could cause wider flooding in the capital.

City residents are continuing mass exodus, after the authorities urged them to leave Bangkok.

Heavy monsoon rains have been causing flooding in Thailand since July. More than 370 people have been killed and swathes of the country affected.

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