This is the scary moment a freak thunderstorm battered stalls at a weekend market in Thailand as severe storms battered the region, causing a navy warship to sink.

Strong winds and downpours blew away umbrellas at stalls as vendors and shoppers held onto poles in Hat Yai on December 17.

The shop owners had to close down early for the day as the weather drenched their goods.

Customer Yuwadee Om said everyone ran for cover when the rain suddenly hit the area.

She said: ‘It was unexpected. The day started sunny and then there was a storm. We had to go home early.'

The tropical storm came as heavy rain smashed into the southern region of Thailand, causing flash floods and four metre high waves that beached several boats and caused a navy warship to sink.

Forecasters warned residents to expect severe rainy weather and floods.