Ayutthaya Storm Tears Roofs, Grandmother Chants Wind Away

A severe rainstorm struck Ayutthaya with fierce winds that tore half the roof off an old wooden house while a 79-year-old grandmother chanted mantras her father taught her to ward off the wind. Local administration officials rushed to assess damage to several homes.

On November 3, 2026, Bang Pa-daeng Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) Chief Jaroasom Waiyasing, Deputy Chief Duangrudee Paritesang, and engineering staff inspected household damage after a rainstorm and strong gusts caused destruction on the evening of November 2.

The worst-hit property in Bang Pa-daeng was an old wooden house where the rear roof was peeled back by about half, with partial tile roof damage. The surrounding area still bore water stains and mud residue from the recent Chao Phraya River flooding that had only receded days earlier.

Natthikarn, 38, the homeowner, said heavy rain and violent storm winds struck suddenly with a terrifying roar before the roof was torn away, sending wooden debris into a neighboring house.

Somsee, 79, who lives next door, said she quickly shut doors and windows as the storm raged, then sat in the center of her house, prayed, and chanted the wind-warding mantra her father had taught her to send the storm to the Himavanta forest. After she finished chanting, the wind calmed. Her house suffered only rain seepage, and she demonstrated the mantra for reporters.

Other homes in Village 5, Bang Pa-daeng, also sustained roof damage from the wind, with corrugated and tile roofs blown away.

At Wat Chi Phra Khaw, a pickup truck belonging to a boat driver parked near the waterfront was crushed by a fallen tree. Engineering staff used a crane to prop up the tree and chainsaws to clear branches for safe removal.

SAO Chief Jaroasom said she ordered staff to survey damage and coordinate with the district headman and village leaders. Initial findings show about five households affected, with the worst damage to the house directly in the storm's path. The survey continues as heavy rain and evening conditions hampered the initial assessment. The situation has been reported to the Bang Pa-in District Chief and the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office.

For assistance, the District Chief advised that this storm damage qualifies for the government's home insurance scheme. The SAO Deputy Chief has coordinated with the insurance company to prepare for on-site inspection and damage assessment before proceeding with next steps.