LOEI, Thailand – Temperatures on Phu Ruea in Loei province have plummeted to a freezing 0°C due to a strong cold air mass covering northern Thailand, January 12. Tourists are flocking to the mountain to experience the icy weather, witness the sunrise, and admire the blooming wild Himalayan cherry blossoms (Prunus cerasoides), which are just beginning to bloom.
The powerful cold front has brought strong winds, causing temperatures on Phu Ruea—already known for its chilly weather—to drop significantly. The average temperature in the past week was 8-9°C, but today marks a dramatic dip. Visitors have crowded the peak during the weekend to take photos with the temperature sign as a keepsake. Besides enjoying the spectacular sea of mist and sunrise views, tourists can now catch the first blooms of the wild Himalayan cherry blossoms, which are expected to be in full bloom from late January to mid-February.
Meanwhile, regarding air quality, the Air Pollution Resolution Center reported this morning at 7:00 AM that air quality across most parts of the country remains within the standard range. Only four provinces—Chiang Rai, Nan, Sukhothai, and Nakhon Phanom—recorded levels exceeding the standard. In Bangkok and its surrounding areas, air quality has improved compared to yesterday, with measurements in the “green” and “yellow” ranges, showing PM2.5 levels of 16.7-33.5 micrograms per cubic meter. (TNA)
