A tropical storm damaged market stalls and ruined a sports event in northern Thailand.

Heavy rain lashed the Non Din Daeng district of Buriram province, flattening the stalls stationed next to a field on Tuesday afternoon March 28.

Locals had to anchor down the tents as powerful gales threatened to blow them away.

A sports event had been scheduled that day, but had to be cancelled after the downpour turned the field muddy.

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.

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