Dramatic footage captures the moment an 'elephant trunk' storm spun through Thung Khwang Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province, blowing metal sheets and roofs off homes and scattering debris as several houses were damaged.
On 22 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited the area to assess damage after a viral clip showed an 'elephant trunk' storm spinning and tearing off metal sheets and roofs from homes in Thung Khwang Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province. Initial surveys found multiple homes in Village 4 damaged, mostly with roofs torn apart by strong winds that broke metal sheets and roof tiles. Some houses were left with exposed roofs. Notably, Mr. Patipan Thanjai, 44, a shop owner, suffered a right ankle injury and was taken to the hospital.
Additionally, Mr. Prakob Yingyong, 69, a resident of Village 4, Thung Khwang Subdistrict, recounted hearing two thunderclaps followed by a strong rushing wind. He saw dust and leaves swirling in a funnel shape resembling an elephant trunk, which then headed straight toward his house. The powerful winds tore off more than half of his roof, which was blown away and shattered on the ground. Wooden structural parts were blown into the nearby banana grove. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Mr. Panupong Chayoiyram, 28, the person who recorded the clip, said he was feeding chickens when he heard a strong wind. Looking up, he saw a funnel-shaped storm resembling an elephant trunk. He then took his phone to record the event, capturing metal sheets flying up into the sky as the storm intensified.
The storm then moved quickly, causing damage to local homes as seen in the footage. He admitted this was the first time he had witnessed such an event in person, having only seen similar storms previously on television, and never expecting to experience it himself.
Mr. Anusart Botkrathok, 46, described similarly that the storm came as an elephant trunk-shaped whirlwind, moving fast and strong, blowing away shop roofs.
Deputy Mayor Nanthawut Wongwatcharadirek of the Thung Khwang Subdistrict Administrative Organization said initial surveys found about five houses in Village 4 damaged. Affected residents have been asked to submit petitions, and local technicians are assessing damage to provide assistance according to government procedures. Efforts to help those affected by this natural disaster are being expedited as a priority.