Two people were killed by summer storms that wreaked havoc in several northern and northeastern provinces on Thursday, and the weather office warns of more harsh weather to come.
The forecast is for storms to bring heavy rain, gusting winds and sometimes hail, to many upper provinces on Saturday, Sunday and into next week.
As storms pounded areas in the northeastern province of Kalaisin on Thursday night, two men - Adul Somsri and Thamnong Phukhronghin - were killed by falling tree boughs.
Neighbours said the two men had sought refuge from heavy rain and wind at a makeshift shelter near a large yang tree. Large limbs torn off the tree fell on top of them, Thai media reported.
Kalasin governor Kraisorn Kongchalard on Friday led officials and volunteers to inspect affected areas in Kamalasai district.
A storm damaged a sports pavilion at Kamalasai School, with damage initially estimated at 10 million baht.
At Kamalasai Hospital, some big trees were uprooted and fell onto parked motorcycles and cars.
Mr Kraisorn said 230 houses were damaged in 94 villages of 5 district. He confirmed two people had been killed.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department on Friday reported that thunderstorms hit 11 provinces in the North and the Northeast between April 23-28, damaging 431 houses in 22 districts. Damage was still being assessed.
The Meteorological Department on Friday warned four regions – the Northeast, East, Central Plains and the North - to brace for summer thunderstorms, gusty winds and hail from March 31-April 3.
During this period, a high pressure system from China will extend over upper Thailand and meet with rising hot air.
The department renewed it warning for people to stay away from open areas, big trees and unsecured billboards during a storm.
