Bangkok: Heavy rain and strong winds caused a giant teak tree to collapse on government vehicles inside the Royal Thai Police headquarters, damaging property. The incident occurred during thunderstorms in the capital, followed by a secondary incident when the ceiling of a nearby training center collapsed.

According to Thai News Agency, surveillance footage captured the scene at 1:00 p.m. on June 1, showing the adverse weather impacting Bangkok and the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. A large Takhian tree, with a circumference of 1.9 meters and a height of over 10 meters, fell on seven cars parked in front of the Royal Thai Police Secretariat building. The tree, estimated to be at least 50 years old, was planted at the New Shrine of Holy Things.

The damaged vehicles included a Shield van, two four-door Shield pickup trucks, a Shield sedan, and three government vehicles. The vehicles suffered dents and broken windows, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Special Branch police on duty noted that the tree’s age and the strong winds likely contributed to its fall. Officers from the Pathumwan District Office were contacted to manage the aftermath by cutting down and dismantling the tree.

This incident coincided with another issue at the Human Resource Development and Welfare Training Center of the Immigration Bureau, where a ceiling collapsed. The ceiling incident, occurring a day after the tree collapse, was attributed to a clogged air conditioning condenser system, which had not been cleaned for approximately three years. The national police chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, has ordered an investigation and maintenance measures to prevent future occurrences.

The police chief has mandated regular air conditioning maintenance and inspections across the Chaeng Yod Suk meeting room and other areas within the facility to ensure safety and prevent similar incidents.