Thailand flooding poses early test for PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra

BANGKOK -- Widespread flooding in Thailand since mid-August has affected about 30,000 households and killed more than 20 people, in what is shaping up to be the first major test for new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Concerns about the effect on tourism and agriculture are beginning to grow. Flooding has occurred in more than 10 provinces, with Chiang Rai and Sukhothai provinces in the north being the hardest hit, since Aug. 16.