Market stalls were battered by driving winds as torrential weather hit northern Thailand this week.

Vendors scrambled for safety when the gusts slammed into the site in Phetchabun province on April 9.

Clothes were strewn across the dusty floor and tent covers were tossed in the air.

The storm came amid warnings from the country's Meteorological Department that northern regions would experience tropical summer storms from April 9 to 11.

Thunderstorms, gusty winds, hail, and lightning strikes were expected in the northeast, including Maha Sarakham, before spreading to the rest of the region.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are approaching their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.