Tropical storms damaged buildings in northern Thailand that were already reeling from the Covid-19 effect on tourism in the region.

Strong winds destroyed several bars and restaurants near Kham Somboon Freshwater Beach, a popular tourist attraction in Bueng Kan province, on Tuesday (April 27).

Resident Prayong Chitnam said that the area was popular with visitors until the pandemic reduced the numbers due to travel restrictions.

He said: ‘The winds were so strong that they ripped houses apart. It will cost a lot for me to repair.’

Local government officials are now evaluating the damage from the storm before they provide financial aid to families affected.

Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia are approaching their tropical monsoon rainy season. Soaring temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius are often followed by powerful tropical storms with thunder, lightning, rain and flash floods.