PATTAYA, THAILAND – A lightning strike hit the Krua Tee Lek Khao Pa restaurant in Takhian Tia, severely damaging part of the building but leaving everyone unharmed.
The storm struck near Ban Noen Krabok, Moo 4, around 14:00 on Tuesday, when a flash of lightning tore through the area north-east of Pattaya City. The strike split a coconut tree behind property number 40/24 and then hit the roof of the restaurant’s restroom, destroying ceramic tiles and burning out electrical sockets.
Restaurant Owner Describes the Moment
At the scene, Hattachai Kaewsuwan, 35, known locally as “Tee Lek,” told reporters that he had been working in the kitchen when the lightning hit.
“I was in the kitchen, as the sky roared. Then – BANG! – a white flash behind me. As I ran out, the tree was split and the toilet roof was in ruins. Luckily, no guest was inside.”
said Hattachai Kaewsuwan, Restaurant Owner.
The impact caused an immediate power outage, leaving the restaurant in darkness for several minutes before repair crews arrived.
Customer Escaped Injury
A male customer waiting in his car just five metres away avoided injury. He declined to be named but explained that he felt a strong shock from the blast.
“I heard thunder, then this explosion. The air pressure pushed me down,”
said the unnamed customer.
The man, carrying religious amulets, later added:
“I feel it was a miracle that nothing happened.”
said the unnamed customer.
Power Restored and Repairs Underway
Crews from the Provincial Electricity Authority of Chonburi reached the site within hours to inspect cables and install temporary connections. Electricity was restored by the evening, allowing Krua Tee Lek Khao Pa to reopen for dinner service.
- Damaged wiring and sockets are scheduled for replacement in the coming days.
- Local authorities are assessing potential lightning protection upgrades in the surrounding area.
Weather Officials Confirm Intense Storm
Regional meteorologists monitored multiple cloud-to-ground strikes over eastern Chonburi Province that afternoon. The Takhian Tia incident caused the most visible damage, according to their field data.
Experts noted the May to October rainy season often brings sudden tropical storms across coastal Thailand, though structural lightning damage of this scale remains unusual.
The event marked a day when a powerful natural force met remarkable good fortune, as no injuries were reported despite heavy material losses.