BANGKOK, 7 December 2013 – The cold weather in the North and Northeast is having varying effects on inhabitants in the two regions, with the tourism scene in Chiang Rai clearly benefiting from the cold weather; meanwhile, people living in the mountains in several provinces have to combat the low temperature through various means.
Teachers have decided to arrange physical exercises for students at Ban Khun Nam Khap in Chattrakan district, Phitsanulok to keep them warm in the mornings. Most of the students are hilltribes children who have inadequate winter gear despite living high up in the mountains. Officials said there were more districts at risk of ‘cold disasters’ in Phitsanulok this year than in the past.
In Amnat Charoen province, authorities said they would declare 7 districts as cold-hit areas after the mercury dropped rapidly, afflicting numerous locals with respiratory illnesses.
Some parts of Thailand are experiencing colder weather than they did the previous year. The low temperature is affecting not only the human inhabitants in Nakhon Sawan, but also the monkeys at Kriang Krai Klang Temple. The cold-struck monkeys have been seen bathing in the sun during the day, and staying near the fires set for them by monks in the temple at night.
In Chiang Rai City, municipal workers have re-decorated parts of the city with flowers usually found in colder countries, such as tulips and lilies. The flowery scene downtown is scheduled to last until January 20. Visitors to the province can also experience the Music in the Park festival until then.
