Thousands of residents have been evacuated into temporary shelters in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, following days of heavy rainfall that submerged roads, homes and markets.

The flooding left several parts of the city under knee-deep water, forcing residents to wade through flooded streets, use small boats and move their belongings in plastic containers.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said nearly 4,900 people had been evacuated to shelters, while about 52,000 households have been affected by the floods.

More than 330 millimetres of rain fell in some parts of Bangkok between Thursday and Sunday, prompting authorities to declare a disaster across the capital.

Residents in affected communities have also reported shortages of essential goods, with some supermarkets recording long queues as people rushed to purchase food and other supplies.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said water levels in the city's canals remained high, but authorities are working to accelerate drainage.