Central parts of Bangkok appear to have escaped the worst of the flooding which has hit Thailand, but areas north of the capital have not been not so lucky.

The ancient province of Ayutthaya - and its World Heritage site temples - was one of the areas hardest-hit.

Officials say flood waters in the region are receding, but the extent of the problem is clear to see. It could take weeks before the waters disappear entirely.

Thousands of people have lost their homes and livelihoods since the flooding - caused by heavy monsoon rains - began in late July.

Soldiers, workers and residents have been battling together in the past few days to build up flood defences to protect homes and businesses in and around the capital.

But it failed to stop the flood waters seeping into several industrial estates, such as this one in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok. Thailand fears the cost to the economy could run into billions.

Desperate times require desperate measures, and hundreds of boats were gathered to run their engines in an attempt to propel the flow of water on the Chao Phraya River, which runs through Bangkok, towards the sea.