Heavy storm slams Pattaya, causes havoc

PATTAYA:--A brief but violent storm knocked out power and soaked tourists headed out for the evening.

Blown in from Pattaya Bay on a huge gust of cold air, the Oct. 13 downpour felled two 20-year-old trees and wrecked 50 stalls at the Thepprasit Keha Market where more than 1,000 shoppers were out when the storm hit around 8:30 p.m.

Falling trees took out seven power poles on Soi Yensabai, blacking out the entire street for hours. Neighbors reported damage to cars, motorbikes and other property.

The soi had to be blocked off because some of the electric transformers exploded and Provincial Electric Authority officials had to wait for the rain to stop in order to fix the problem.

Residents near Bali Hai Pier reported that four squid fishermen were hit by the storm as well. The strong winds caused the boat to sink and the four had to swim their way back. Anuwat Panla-ong, 33, was able to help the first two victims to shore and they said that two more missing.

- See more at: http://www.pattayamail.com/localnews/heavy-storm-slams-pattaya-causes-havoc-41957#sthash.SCwtjrRP.dpuf

-- Pattaya Mail 2014-10-17

It's the same report every year, they just change the dates.

I was caught out in that one. First time I felt the wind as violent here. It felt like any objects could go airborne ... so of course rushed inside!