Temperatures Plunge in Thailand’s North and Northeast

 

CHIANG RAI – Thailand’s Meteorological Department has advised people in Chiang Rai and other northern provinces to keep warm as the weather will remain cold for many days.

The high pressure system from China is extending across the northern part of Thailand and will bring the temperature down even further.
Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda has reiterated to all related units to expedite the delivery of necessary assistance to people affected by the cold disaster.

Providing an update to the current disaster situation, the Minister said that since last November a total of twenty six provinces have been declared winter disaster zones, covering 23,779 villages in 2,066 subdistricts in 282 districts.

The Royal Thai Army will deliver more blankets to people in the surrounding areas particularly the elderly and poor families. Many people living along the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin province have suffered from respiratory illnesses as the temperature declined.

The entire area of Sakon Nakhon province has to be declared a disaster zone. More than 250,000 people have endured the cold without blankets and many are forced to sit around a camp fire.

In the northern province of Phetchabun, three people died from hypothermia. The high pressure system from China is extending across the upper part of the country and will bring the temperature down further.
Twelve of the Provinces are in the northern region namely Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Lampang, Phayao, Uttaradit, Phrae, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Tak.

Another thirteen Provinces are in the Northeast namely Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Surin, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Mukdahan, and Chaiyaphum. Kanchanaburi is the only province in the central region which has been declared the cold disaster zone.