BANGKOK, Oct 30 – Northern Thailand is seeing the mercury drop as low as six degrees Celsius on some mountain peaks, and within the range of 10-20 degrees Celsius in lower areas.
Nan’s provincial seat this morning was covered by thick fog and cold air. Visibility deteriorated to less than 100 metres, which led people to use their vehicle’s headlights and drive at low speed.
Those who want to experience cold weather are reminded to take precautions when driving, as many roads, especially sharp curves on the mountain, are extremely slippery. They should also prepare enough warm clothing and study the trip thoroughly.
As of Tuesday morning, the Nan Meteorological Station reported temperature dropped to 19 degrees Celsius and within the range of 6-10 degrees Celsius at mountain peaks. Intense cold was reported at higher elevations in Phu Kha National Park in Pua District, though winter frost has not yet occurred.
The cold spell has, meanwhile, affected some 300 families, mostly of ethnic Hmong communities in Nakhon Thai and Chart Trakan districts of northern Pitsanulok province. The temperature fell to 15-20 degrees Celsius and many still lack warm clothing and blankets. Young children and the elderly find it hard to adjust to the changing weather since winter has arrived quite early this year.
Phitsanulok public health chief Boonterm Tansurat reported Tuesday that some 600 people have influenza, while about 1,000 persons have been hospitalised with pneumonia so far. Locals have been recommended to immediately see the doctor if they suffer coughing, high fever and breathing difficulty.
