Lightning strike sparks omen fears

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: A bolt of lightning has struck the lotus-shaped top of the Prasat Hin Phimai historical ruins, raising fears it spells a bad omen for local people.

The provincial fine arts office director, Jaruek Wilaikaew, rushed to inspect the collapsed top section of the castle. He said the strike cause little damage.

The director tried to allay fears of ill fortune, saying the top section was not the original one but a replica. The original one is kept at the Phimai national museum.

The area adjacent to the ruins which was also partially damaged by lightning will be repaired, a budget for which will be requested from the Fine Arts Department chief. The area will be closed to tourists until repairs are complete.