Ceiling panels collapsed as heavy rain battered a shopping mall in Thailand.

The panels gave way under the weight of accumulated rain while a monsoon storm pummeled the Lad Phrao area of Bangkok on September 5.

Shoppers were jolted by the sudden collapse, with water cascading into the mall and drenching the tiled floor. Employees used a stepladder to inspect the damage to the ceiling.

The Thai Meteorological Department on September 4 warned of torrential rains across the country. Residents, especially those in low-lying areas, were urged to be vigilant of flash floods and forest run-off.

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