A summer storm swept through Lopburi province, causing over 70 high-voltage power poles to topple. Power outages lasted several hours, and more than 100 houses were damaged.
On 11 May 2026, reports stated that on the evening of 10 May, a thunderstorm with strong gusty winds hit Ban Mi district, Lopburi province. Along the roads from Khlong Chai Nat-Pa Sak, the Lopburi-Ban Mi route, and at Ban Nong Kewian Hak in Phuka subdistrict, 73 high-voltage power poles were knocked down, leaving over 2,000 residents without electricity.
Additionally, strong winds damaged roofs and walls of homes in Nong Tao, Nong Sai Khao, Don Dueng, and Chiang Nga subdistricts. A total of 121 houses were damaged, affecting 319 residents.
Officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Lopburi coordinated with nearby areas to quickly deploy teams and machinery to remove fallen poles obstructing roads. They also cut power and constructed temporary distribution systems using mobile generators to restore electricity to affected homes. Damage assessments are ongoing.
This morning, Mr. Jettapong Choksawasworakul and Lt. Narongrit Thongdee, chief of Phuka Subdistrict Administrative Organization, led teams to assist residents. A relief point was set up at Wat Phadungtham, providing meals to those affected by the power outage. PEA staff are working to restore the electrical system. The Lopburi Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office provided tents to 16 families with damaged roofs for temporary shelter and dispatched personnel to help residents and assess damage.
Inspections revealed not only fallen power poles but also homes with roofs blown off and household items damaged. A large dome covering the multipurpose area of Wat Phadungtham was lifted by strong winds and carried about 300 meters beyond the village, sustaining heavy damage.
Phra Athikan Rakkhitpanyo, abbot of Wat Phadungtham, said the violent storm on 10 May caused damage to multiple parts of the temple, including the roofs of the ordination hall, monk's residence, viharn, dining hall, and the Dharma assembly pavilion. Outside the temple, many homes and power poles were also damaged. Those affected include members of the temple’s Sangha Relief Fund, whom the monastic community is assisting.
Mrs. Oraphin Chiraphanwanich, president of Lopburi Provincial Administrative Organization, and Mrs. Kanjanaporn Chiraphanwanich, Lopburi MP for Constituency 3 from the Bhumjaithai Party, visited the area to encourage residents affected by the damage. They accompanied people filing complaints with Phuka Subdistrict Administrative Organization and pledged to find ways to provide relief.
Initially, cooked food and drinking water were distributed to residents unable to prepare meals due to damage, as well as to officials assisting the community. This support was greatly appreciated by those affected. Additionally, the Psychological Battalion supplied drinking water at relief points and plans to send staff to provide further assistance.