Giant hailstones damage houses in Thailand

Giant hailstones the size of grapefruits have caused serious damage to over 2,000 houses in northern Thailand.

Hundreds of cars were also badly damaged and some people suffered head injuries in several towns.

Many of the houses had their roofs smashed in the district which normally enjoys a tropical climate.

Sonklin Samutkwam from Mae Kaotom told the Thai Rathnewspaper the sky suddenly became black and a strong wind ripped through the town just before the hailstone shower.

Some people recalled having experienced a similar event over 30 years ago.

The towns of Chiang Rai, Chiang San, Pan, Mae Jan,and Wieng Chai were also affected by the freak weather.

AP