A tree fell over and blocked the way between the Thai Khu Fa Building, where Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was working in his office, and the New Command Building in the Government House area.

A tree in front of the press office split in two.

Several trees outside the compound's wall were blown down, blocking traffic lanes, with one crashing down on an official's car. A recently rejuvenated park in the area was severely damaged.

The Santi Asoke religious movement protesting outside Government House for the prime minister's resignation saw their tents collapse.

The tropical storm hit the capital on Thursday night, and storm conditions are expected to last sporadically for another day.

Thaveewat Ninphetcharat, head forecaster at the Meteorological Department, said yesterday that the rough conditions were caused by easterly winds from the Andaman Sea colliding with southerly winds from the Gulf of Thailand.

The ridge will linger over the inner city for another day, deluging the Thon Buri side as well as Taling Chan, Bang Phlat, Chatuchak and Sanam Luang.

Provinces in the Central region would be also affected, such as Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya and Saraburi, he said.

The hot weather would return on the weekend, he added.

The Nation