CHIANG RAI– A powerful summer storm struck Chiang Rai province on the evening of April 27. The severe weather lasted from the early evening until late at night. Heavy rain and fierce winds caused sudden damage across several areas, disrupting daily life for many locals.
Chiang Rai Governor Chucheep Pongchai took quick action. He ordered local leaders in every district to go out and check the damage. The primary goal is to find out who needs help and deliver support as fast as possible. This rapid response is vital for the safety and recovery of the local communities.
The storm hit the Mae Sai district very hard. This area sits right on the border between Thailand and Myanmar. The strong winds caused a major accident in the Wiang Phang Kham subdistrict. A large radio communication tower, owned by the local Phrom Wihan Foundation, blew over in the heavy wind.
When the tower fell, it crashed directly into overhead power lines. This caused a massive blackout across a wide area. Furthermore, the fallen tower and cables blocked traffic on Phahonyothin Road, which is the main highway in the region.
Workers from the Wiang Phang Kham municipal office rushed to the scene. They were soon joined by crews from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) , the state enterprise responsible for power distribution. The teams worked in the dark to move the heavy debris. They successfully repaired the power lines and restored electricity to the area by late at night.
Trees Block Major Traffic Routes
The radio tower was not the only problem. The storm winds snapped large trees like twigs. Near the Mae Sai Police Station, massive trees crashed down next to the 191 emergency patrol center.
Additionally, broken branches and fallen trees blocked many local village roads. The main route between Mae Sai and Chiang Saen was completely cut off for hours. Local workers spent the whole night cutting wood and clearing the streets. Thanks to their hard work, all major roads are now fully open and safe for drivers.
At the same time, the storm caused serious trouble in the Mae Lao district. Phakphong Phuwiangchan, a senior district official, went out to inspect the affected villages. He traveled with a local security team known as the Volunteer Defense Corps Unit 18.
They walked through several communities to see the damage firsthand. The team found that the fierce winds had ripped the roofs off multiple houses. Many families spent a frightening night dealing with the sudden damage to their homes.
Officials are currently counting every damaged house. They want to get a clear picture of the total loss. Once the counting is done, the district will send building supplies and financial aid to help the families rebuild.
Summary of the Storm Impact
The sudden summer storm required a fast emergency response. Here are the key events from the night of April 27:
- A major radio tower collapsed in the Mae Sai district.
- Fallen power lines caused widespread blackouts on Phahonyothin Road.
- Large trees blocked the important Mae Sai-Chiang Saen travel route.
- Road crews and power workers fixed the major utility issues by midnight.
- Several homes in the Mae Lao district suffered severe roof damage.
Summer storms are common in Northern Thailand during this time of the year. The hot weather often mixes with cold air flows to create violent winds. The quick actions of the workers last night show the strength of the Chiang Rai community.
However, residents must remain careful. The local government advises everyone to stay indoors during sudden storms and avoid parking under large trees or weak structures. For the latest weather updates and storm warnings, citizens can check the official website of the Thai Meteorological Department .
