Phuket: A couple of two-storey buildings on rain-soaked terrain were damaged when one subsided and collapsed onto the other in Muang district late Thursday night.
A few tenants were slightly injured after the ceilings fell in, but most had been evacuated earlier that day.
The twin buildings, each with nine apartment units, were built on the slope of a hill along Prayoon Song Samkong Road in tambon Ratsada. At about 11.50pm, one suddenly slumped to one side, resting against the other building, resulting in damaged walls.
About 10 people were reportedly in the buildings at the time. They were said to have fled outside, although some were injured by falling ceiling panels.
Phuket governor Narong Woonciew led a team to inspect the scene, which was soon cordoned off.
Public works officials said persistent rain over the past several days apparently caused erosion to the foundations of the buildings.
Dusit Kamaeteb, 30, was inside when he heard loud noises sometime after 11pm. He said he and three other residents fled outside as the ceiling fell in around them.
He said their belongings were still in the building.
Wandee Sandler, another resident, said most tenants left their belongings earlier on Thursday after the buildings first began making noises and showing signs of instability.
It had been raining there for days.
Suwit Pansa-ngiam, public works chief, said the building collapsed due to a landslide caused by torrential and persistent rain.
Both buildings should be demolished as soon as possible, he said.
Landslides have been frequent in Phuket this week as rain continues to pound the island, cutting off power and roads and causing floods.