By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is facing mounting criticism over his government’s slow response to deadly floods in the south,

The deluge has hit 10 provinces across the country's south over the past week, with the city of Hat Yai, a business hub bordering Malaysia, recording its heaviest rainfall in 300 years - 335mm in a single day. Photos show vehicles and houses submerged in the city, while desperate residents await rescue on their rooftops.

A “once in 300 year” storm has battered southern Thailand, bringing floodwaters more than eight feet high that in one city cut off access to a maternity ward holding 30 newborn babies, staff and officials said.

Southern Thailand floods claim 145 lives, Songkhla devastated. Thousands evacuated after relentless rain. Learn the impact and ongoing recovery efforts. Read the latest news.

BANGKOK: Thailand was preparing on Tuesday (Nov 25) to send an aircraft carrier with relief supplies and medical teams to its south, where more heavy rain intensified the worst floods in years,

Five native Thai cat breeds have been crowned national pet symbols, a move celebrated by breeders but met with both optimism and caution by rescuers confronting a growing stray-cat problem.