This is the moment a powerful storm blew open a store's shutter doors and sent an employee flying as it lashed northern Thailand on Tuesday.

The violent gales caused extensive damage to homes and buildings as they ripped through the Phu Ruea District of Loei province on February 27.

CCTV footage shows a store employee pushing his bottom against the steel doors to keep them closed before being flung into the air when they burst open from a strong gust.

Store owner Kanyalanee said the storm sent the worker flying several feet away.

She said: 'No one was hurt, but two shutter doors, a refrigerator display, and some of our goods were damaged.'

Thailand's Meteorological Department predicted isolated thunderstorms as a low-pressure area developed from intense heat was prevailing over the country's northern region.