Strong winds blew away tents as a powerful tropical storm lashed northeast Thailand this afternoon.

Gales overturned the blue-and-white striped tents in front of the Ban Fang District Office in Khon Kaen province on March 23.

Bursts of heavy rain and hail also battered homes following soaring temperatures affecting northern Thailand.

The Thai Meteorological Department said the southerly and southeasterly winds were prevailing over the country's central, eastern, and northeastern regions.

High temperatures with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in northern Thailand, the agency said.

The inclement weather comes after another tropical storm smashed into Chiang Mai in the north of the country when humid temperatures reached 34 degrees Celsius. Dozens of buildings were damaged with roofs being ripped from buildings and billboards blown down.

Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia are approaching their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms.