For the first time in 10 years "Summer storm" struck two subdistricts in Chaiyaphum Province, tearing off residents' roofs and damaging over 17 houses.
A reporter reported that on the evening of 16 April 2026, a summer storm brought strong winds, rain, and hail to two subdistricts—Khok Sa-at and Sok Pla Duk—in Chaiyaphum Province. The storm damaged more than 17 houses, with roofs torn off by the strong winds. In Ban Huai Thap Nai, Village No. 8, eight houses were affected, including one where a fallen coconut tree crushed the roof.
Additionally, the Ban Huai Thap Nai community enterprise tourist site, which welcomes visitors to Pong Khun Phet Dam, suffered heavy damage when the wind blew a restroom more than 100 meters away. During the storm, tourists on boats touring the dam encountered the strong winds and had to dock on an island, narrowly avoiding capsizing. They were temporarily stranded until the storm subsided and then safely returned to shore. The enterprise announced a temporary closure of the dam area for repairs.
Mr. Chawalit Phutthaburi, 39, a resident of Ban Huai Thap Nai, Village 8, Khok Sa-at Subdistrict, Nong Bua Rawe District, Chaiyaphum, said that while he was overseeing the community tourism enterprise by Pong Khun Phet Dam in the afternoon, a sudden severe storm with wind, rain, and hail hit the area. The facilities they had built by the dam were completely destroyed by the wind. He ran to shelter from the rain, holding tightly to a tent leg to avoid being blown away.
Furthermore, the wind blew the restroom built for tourists more than 100 meters away. At the same time, tourist boats had to dock at an island until the storm passed, after which they returned to shore. The tourism enterprise had to temporarily close to repair the site. After the storm subsided, it was reported that more than eight houses in Ban Huai Thap Nai were damaged, including one where a fallen coconut tree crushed a house. Fortunately, no residents were injured. Mr. Chawalit said this was the worst storm he had seen in over 10 years and was very frightening.
Meanwhile, in Ban Tha Bon, Sok Pla Duk Subdistrict, the storm tore off the roofs of seven houses. Community leaders and local officials have begun assessing the damage to report to the district office and to plan initial assistance.