Pattaya, Thailand – A powerful gust of wind during a storm early on Monday, May 11th, 2026, caused a large banyan tree to crash onto a power pole in Pattaya, snapping the pole, downing live wires, and plunging an entire neighborhood into darkness while blocking road access.
The incident occurred on Soi Arunothai. Pattaya municipal officials received a report and immediately coordinated with the Provincial Electricity Authority to respond to the scene.
Officials found a massive banyan tree, estimated to be more than 50 years old, lying across the road after it fell directly onto the concrete power pole. The pole was broken in half, with electrical cables scattered across the ground. The fallen tree completely obstructed the narrow soi, preventing vehicles and residents from entering or leaving the area.
Local resident Mr. Thanakorn Phatthanagam, 29, described the dramatic moment. “There was a very strong gust of wind that made the roof of my house shake. Then I heard a loud explosion, and the power went out across the entire alley,” he said. “A friend sent me a photo of the tree that had fallen on the power pole, so I rushed out to check.”
A street vendor known as Aunt Chubchaeng, 56, who was working near the scene, told The Pattaya News about hearing two loud explosive sounds before seeing the tree collapse. “Suddenly the power went out everywhere in the soi,” she added.
Authorities deployed teams to the area and are working with relevant agencies to urgently cut up and remove the tree to restore traffic flow. Electricity officials are simultaneously repairing the damaged pole and lines, to restore power to residents as quickly as possible.
No injuries have been reported from the incident.
