Cold spell hits 13 Thai provinces

BANGKOK, Nov 13 -- Thirteen provinces in the north and northeastern regions of Thailand are now hit by a cold spell, and the Meteorological Department forecasts that frigid temperatures in the North this year will be much more severe than in past years.

Altogether 14,260 villages in the 13 provinces are currently affected by the cold spell and declared disaster zones from cold, said the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The 13 provinces are Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Loei, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai.

Meanwhile, authorities in the northern capital of Chiang Mai have declared two more districts -- Mae Chaem and Chom Thong -- to be cold spell-hit areas, raising the number of districts to become weather victim labelled to nine, Chiang Mai deputy governor Chuchart Kilapang said on Saturday.

To date, more than 180,000 residents in Chiang Mai are affected by the cold weather while officials are instructed to provide assistance for these affected people.

Also, local authorities concerned prepare to declare another six districts in the province to become cold spell zones.

In another related development, several charitable organisations have begun distributing clothes and blankets to the poor in the affected areas.

Temperatures in the North are expected to drop between 1- 4 degrees Celsius next week due to a high pressure area from China which will extend its weather system ridge to cover the region, making it possible for the temperature to drop below 15 degrees Celsius, according to a forecast by the Meteorological Department. (MCOT online news)