This is the spectacular moment a long thin waterspout stretched from the sea to the clouds before a powerful storm battered homes.

The breathtaking weather phenomenon formed off the coast of Surat Thani province on Monday afternoon. It lasted for more than five minutes before it dispersed.

Local fisherman Soksan Othong was close enough to the swirling vortex to record the salt spray being sucked up from the surface of the ocean and twisting its way towards the heavens.

The terrifying waterspout was followed by a tropical storm which moved towards his wooden coastal hut and battered the structure - shaking his hammock and corrugated roof.

Soksan said: 'I felt the force of the wind. It was stronger than I've ever experienced. It moved away very quickly though so I was safe.'

Thailand's tropical south sees temperatures soar to more than 35 degrees Celsius. This is often followed by intense storms, especially during the annual rainy season from June to November.

Waterspout tornadoes form when wind merges from opposite directions near the water's surface, creating a small area of spin. Warm air at the surface causes the spinning air to rotate faster and it starts to rise – picking up water at the same time and forming the distinctive elephant-funnel shape.

As warm air rises, the cooler air moves in below and then rises, too. Sometimes the air spins so fast that it stretches and a funnel appears from the water to the thunderstorm cloud above.

Waterspouts are generally not dangerous but they can be a risk for aircraft flying through the area and for coral reefs and marine life in the water immediately below. Sailors should also try to avoid waterspouts as the power of the wind can cause damage.

They very rarely damage buildings as they dissipate when they reach land. However, they are dangerous of boats caught in their path or aircraft that fly through them.