Whirlwind Destroys Avocado, Chili Farms in Tak Province
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On October 26, 2026, reporters were informed by residents of Ban Thahan Phansuek, Moo 4, Ruam Thai Phatthana Subdistrict, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, that they were hit by a severe rotating storm resembling an elephant's trunk that flattened agricultural land on the evening of October 21. The event caused heavy damage to avocado orchards and chili farms of local farmers.
Dozens of avocado trees were snapped, some thrown by wind force over 100 meters away, while chili drying sheds collapsed and roofs were blown off. Farmers stated they had never encountered such a violent storm in over 38 years of residence in the area.
Mr. Bunlert Kurin, an avocado and chili farmer in Ban Thahan Phansuek, revealed that at around 4:00 PM while working in his orchard, a fierce rotating wind suddenly arrived, coiling into the air like an elephant's trunk before sweeping through the planting area, damaging both chili and avocado plants. Avocado trees were particularly hard hit, with many snapped and some thrown over 100 meters. Dozens of avocado trees were damaged, causing great distress as he had tended the orchard well and many trees were bearing fruit, each previously generating over 10,000 baht in income.
After the incident, village leaders led by Mr. Thongdaeng Chantasen, the village headman of Ban Thahan Phansuek, along with assistant village heads, subdistrict administrative organization members, and relevant officials surveyed the damage and reported to concerned agencies. Agricultural officials coordinated with Ruam Thai Phatthana Subdistrict Administrative Organization staff to inspect the damage jointly, assess impacts, and find ways to assist affected farmers.
Meanwhile, Ms. Bang-on Sae-yang, a chili farmer, disclosed she had invested in chili cultivation on about 10 rai, spending over 200,000 baht on fertilizer, pesticides, land rent, and labor. Part of the investment came from loans for cultivation and crop maintenance. The severe whirlwind caused extensive damage to her chili plants. Ms. Bang-on said she had grown chili for many years but never encountered such a severe event before. This year's storm caused heavy damage, leaving her worried about the invested costs and debt obligations.
Mr. Thanyawat Phuriwatmetha, Phop Phra District Chief, ordered district agricultural officials and Ruam Thai Phatthana Subdistrict Administrative Organization staff to inspect farmers' orchard damage, gather data, and report to relevant agencies to consider assistance guidelines for affected farmers according to established criteria.
