Freak storms cut destructive trail across country

The authorities are working to hand out aid to 2,000 households affected by freak storms in 16 provinces in the East, Northeast and upper central area.

Monton Sudprasert, chief of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said yesterday that 1,589 houses in Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nong Khai, Loei, Sakon

Nakhon, Khon Kaen, Mukdahan, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Prachin Buri and Trat provinces were hit by destructive storms in recent days and will receive prompt assistance.

He said heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds, as well as hail in some areas were the result of a high pressure trough from China clashing with winds from the South.

Surveys found the storms had wreaked havoc over vast areas and damaged 47 livestock barns and one school in the 16 provinces.

No deaths were reported. Mr Monton said the department has deployed personnel and distributed bags of relief supplies and materials to help fix the damage.

Meanwhile, in Chiang Rai, a man was arrested on suspicion of setting a forest fire.

Col Pakpong Nge-Santia, head of the policy and planning department of Chiang Rai’s Internal Security Operations Command, said Aje Merlaeku, an ethnic Akha highlander, 51, had been nabbed for allegedly setting a forest fire in Mae Chan district.

The suspect claims he was trying to smoke out bees to collect honey.

Another man, Sutiwat Arnuek, 25, has also been charged with setting a forest fire in the province. He too claimed he set the fire in an effort to get honey.

In related news, Jatuporn Buruspat, the natural resources and environment permanent secretary, said the situation in the North is improving, with a 50% reduction in forest fires, driven by successful fire-fighting efforts and the arrest of arsonists in recent weeks.