A thunderstorm battered homes as the monsoon season nears Thailand.

Powerful gusts blew leaves and tree branches away as the storm lashed Nakhon Phanom on April 21.

Footage shows frantic locals taking cover when heavy rain fell, accompanied by lightning and a booming thunderclap.

Authorities said several houses were damaged during the storm.

The Thai Meteorological Department said northern Thailand was experiencing hot temperatures with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds in several provinces, including Nakhon Phanom.

The shifting weather was forecasted until April 29, as a moderate high-pressure system from China covers Vietnam and the South China Sea, the agency said.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are nearing their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms. The rudimentary infrastructure often struggles with the deluge, leading to widespread flash floods.