Phuket, Thailand –
Passengers aboard a flight experienced a dramatic encounter with nature when a waterspout emerged in the sea near Phuket International Airport, forcing their aircraft to circle for safety before making a delayed landing.
This week, a Thai tourist, Thongchai Montri, was traveling with his family from Don Mueang Airport to Phuket for a holiday. As the plane descended towards the runway, dark clouds rolled in, followed by torrential rain and strong winds. Moments later, a towering waterspout formed offshore, startling passengers who had never witnessed such a phenomenon up close.
Thongchai captured the moment on video, which was later shared widely on social media. In the footage, the swirling column of water moved across the ocean while the airplane maneuvered to avoid turbulent conditions. “It was shocking. I had never seen a waterspout this close before,” he remarked.
Due to poor visibility and unsafe conditions, the pilot decided to abort the initial landing attempt. The aircraft remained airborne, circling for approximately 30 minutes until the storm subsided.
Among the passengers on board was Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanrat, who confirmed to the Phuket Express. that he, too, experienced the nerve-wracking delay firsthand on the same flight with Mr. Thongchai.
“When we arrived in Phuket, the rain was pouring heavily, and the winds were intense. The captain opted to hold the aircraft in a holding pattern until the weather improved,” Governor Sophon explained. Ultimately, the plane landed safely, bringing relief to everyone onboard.
Though waterspouts are not uncommon in coastal areas, encountering one while in mid-air is an unsettling experience. Locals noted that such storms can occur periodically near Phuket’s shores, especially during transitional weather seasons.
