23/03/2026
Hailstorm Hits Vientiane After Thai Kingβs Official Visit
VIENTIANE, March 23, 2026 β A powerful hailstorm and heavy rain battered parts of the Lao capital shortly after the official visit of Thailandβs king, damaging homes, schools and vehicles in Sikhottabong district, residents said.
Large hailstones, some reportedly the size of fists, smashed windows and tore through roofs made of tiles, corrugated iron and zinc, leaving several houses partially collapsed and forcing some families to seek shelter with relatives.
Residents of Viengkham village said entire communities were affected, with debris scattered inside homes as rain poured through damaged roofs. No injuries have been reported.
At least three schools in the district suffered significant damage, with roofs destroyed, while dozens of teachersβ homes were also affected, according to local sources.
A representative from a private school said preliminary reports indicated that around 125 teachers across 16 schools had their homes damaged to varying degrees.
Residents have begun clearing debris and salvaging belongings, while authorities have yet to release an official assessment of the total damage caused by the storm.
