People in South warned to beware of downpours with possible floods

BANGKOK, December 12 (TNA) - Thailand's Meteorological Department, southern centre, issued a new statement Monday, warning people living along east-coastal areas in the South to brace for widespread scattered downpours and heavy falls in some areas, with possible floods, flash floods and landslides in low-lying zones over the next couple of days. The weather bureau particularly warned southern people in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat to be prepared for heavy downpours and, probably, flash floods and mudslides in areas at risk from December 12-13. The southern meteorological centre also advised small trawlers in the Thai South to remain ashore as a precaution over the next couple of days, when there will be strong wind and waves, as high as 2-4-metres, in the sea. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department reported that temperatures at most highlands in the Thai North have plunged to 5-11 degrees Celsius so far, with frost observed on mountaintops; while temperature in lowlands have also dropped to 17-21 degrees Celsius, attracting, however, increasing international tourists. (TNA)