More than 1.2 million households and 3.6 million people have been affected by floods triggered by heavy rains in 12 southern provinces, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said.
Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said at a news conference that flooding has killed 145 people, particularly in Songkhla province which recorded at least 110 deaths.
He said search and rescue efforts have become more successful as floodwaters started to recede further.
Songkhla province recorded a sharp increase in the death toll after flooding began to subside.
News reports showed rescuers gained more access to residential areas that had previously been submerged under high water and recovered more bodies, particularly in Hat Yai, the largest city in the south.
The disaster department reported on Friday that waters have receded in most of the affected areas, but levels remain high in some locations.
The Meteorological Department said rainfall has decreased in the south but warned of thunderstorms in some areas.
The flooding caused severe disruption, leaving thousands of people stranded, rendering streets impassable and submerging low-rise buildings and vehicles.
Videos and photos from the affected areas on Friday showed damaged roads, fallen power poles, household appliances and debris washed away by floodwaters piled along the streets.
Abandoned cars were overturned or stacked on top of one another, apparently swept away by powerful currents.
Thailand's government is also facing criticism for its alleged lack of foresight and slow response to the disaster.
A volunteer rescue group, the Matchima Rescue Centre, told Reuters it had been inundated with thousands of calls in the last three days, with people asking to be evacuated.
with EFE and AP
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