General
Chef Narrowly Escapes Lightning Strike in Nakhon Nayok
A 25-year-old chef in Nakhon Nayok survived a close encounter with a lightning strike while walking through a rainstorm.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, a 25-year-old chef named Nattawut experienced a life-threatening incident on August 17, 2026, in Nakhon Nayok province. CCTV footage from the 'Wela Rin' restaurant captured the moment lightning struck a neem tree just meters away from the chef as he walked to his car during a thunderstorm at approximately 4:20 PM.
Nattawut recounted that he was carrying an umbrella when the strike occurred, causing tree debris to scatter around him. He immediately fled back into the restaurant, moments before a large branch, measuring over five meters in length, fell to the ground. The chef attributed his survival to luck and noted that he was wearing a crocodile amulet from Wat Lam Bua Loi at the time of the incident.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather during the monsoon season. Lightning strikes are a significant risk during heavy rain, and experts generally advise against using umbrellas or standing near tall trees during thunderstorms. While this incident ended without injury, it highlights the unpredictable nature of tropical storms. It remains to be confirmed if any structural damage occurred to the restaurant property beyond the fallen tree debris.