Cold snap hits Thai North

CHIANG MAI, November 12 (TNA) - While this year's unusual monsoon season and massive rainwater have amalgamated into half a century’s worst flooding in Thailand, cold air masses from China have pervaded southwards to northern Thailand, pulling down temperatures at local cities to as low as 2 degrees Celsius. So far, Om Koi District of Chiang Mai Province has been the first to be declared a cold disaster area, after temperatures dropped below 15 degrees Celsius on Friday morning. Kriangsak Thanompan, chief of Chiang Mai's Doi Intanont National Park said morning frosts have now covered grass fields in the early hours daily, indicating the start of this year’s cold season in the country. Kriangsak acknowledged, despite the chilly weather, more tourists have amassed on to the National Park to breathe in the iciness and to enjoy spectacular winter views atop of the Intanon Mount, Thailand's highest spot. According to the official, as many as 400,000 international tourists have visited Doi Intanont this year. He advised all hikers to maintain physical fitness and to ensure top conditions of their cars. A cold streak has also hit nearby Chiang Rai Province, where temperatures in local highlands have fallen to 5-8 degree Celsius and misty mornings have been reported in low grounds with temperatures recorded at 13.9 degrees Celsius. Reasoning impacts from the climate change, Chiang Rai Governor Somchai Hatayatanti has called on the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office to set up a cold relief centre and urged all districts to consider opening their own crisis centres to provide public assistance in their respective areas, including warm clothing and other necessities. (TNA)