Lightning Strikes 100-Year-Old Thai Home Six Times, Shattering Tiles

On May 5, a reporter visited a home in Maha Phrom Subdistrict, Bang Bal District, Ayutthaya Province, where a century-old traditional Thai house suffered significant damage from lightning strikes that shattered roof tiles and damaged the gable structure. Four residents inside narrowly escaped harm during the incident.

Owner Phiphattana, 62, recalled that the lightning strikes occurred around 3 p.m. on May 4 during heavy rain and severe thunderstorms. The household was on the lower floor when lightning crackled five times near the house, followed by a sixth strike that caused roof tiles to scatter and knocked out all electrical power throughout the home.

Phiphattana's son, who was standing near electrical outlets and an internet router, experienced temporary sharp pain in his arm and chest tightness but remained conscious and unharmed.

Phiphattana noted that the house, over 100 years old in traditional Thai style, had been expanded over time with metal sheeting covering the gable area, which may have attracted the lightning. He expressed concern about the strikes, as a similar incident had occurred in the nearby area approximately five years earlier.

Separately, in Moo 4, Kob Chao Subdistrict, Bang Bal District, two homes were damaged by strong winds during the same storm. One 52-year-old homeowner reported that fierce winds and heavy rain tore off more than 30 roof panels, with all household belongings inside damaged by water. The family, which included elderly members and small children, had to urgently evacuate to another house for safety.

Yodchai Srisaen, headman of Kob Chao Subdistrict Administrative Organization, ordered engineering staff to survey the damage and expedite assessments to provide aid to affected residents.