14 people have been killed and one remains missing following severe flooding in southern Thailand.

The interior ministry said in a statement that over half a million people have been affected by six days of floods.

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain to come within the next seven days for southern regions.

The south is a popular destination for tourists due to its scenic islands and beaches and floods are expected to have an impact on what is generally the area's most profitable tourism season, which runs from November to February.