Tens of thousands flee Bangkok fearing breach of river

BANGKOK (Reuters): Traffic clogged roads out of Bangkok Friday as thousands of people fled ahead of a high tide that may worsen floods that have inundated factories and prompted foreign governments to warn citizens to stay away from one of Asia's biggest cities.

Authorities have expressed concern that Bangkok's main Chao Phraya River will burst its banks over the weekend during the unusually high tide that begins Friday. Buildings across Bangkok have been sand-bagged for protection, and some vulnerable streets are nearly deserted.