NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The top of the main shrine of the ancient Hindu temple ruins, a prominent feature of the Phimai Historical Park in Phimai district of this northeastern province, was damaged after being struck by a lightning on the night of Nov 9, interrupting the Phimai Tourism Festival being held on Nov 7-11.
A light-and-sound presentation was to be held nightly during the festival.
Jirawat Phumthongnak, 62, an employee of the Tambon Phimai Municipality, said that early on the night of Nov 9 -- just as the light-and-sound presentation was about to begin -- the area was hit by a thunderstorm and rain that continued for several hours.
The lightning struck the top of the main shrine of the temple ruins in the Phimai Historical Park, sending some of the stone carvings plummeting to the ground.
The light-and-sound presentation was called off.
On the night of Nov 10, heavy rain fell when the show was about the begin. The light-and-sound presentation was again cancelled.
Local residents interpreted the storms as a bad omen.
Somdet Leelamanotham, chief of the Phimai Historical Park, said the damage was being assessed. The Fine Arts Department will be informed for the damage to be repaired, he said.