Extreme cold embraces Thai North

BANGKOK, December 20 (TNA) - Cold weather conditions in Thailand worsened on Tuesday, especially in the North and the Northeast, where warm clothes and blankets had become scarce. The average temperature in the northern province of Chiang Mai dropped to the lowest record this year at 14 degrees Celsius. Thirteen districts have already been declared disaster zones as authorities continue to seek donations of winter clothing for cold-weather victims. Many people could be seen warming up themselves under the afternoon sun. In Uttaradit province, Nam Pat and Ban Khok districts have been declared disastrous zones after temperatures there dropped below 10 degrees Celsius for over a week. Local residents have reportedly been in need of more winter clothes. The cold weather does not affect only people in Nakhon Sawan province but also macaques living at Wat Kriang Krai Klang temple. Local monks have had to build bonfires to warm the animals. All districts of Buri Ram province have also been declared cold-stricken areas. Ad hoc relief centres have been set up in many districts to coordinate relief work. Over 230,000 local residents including about 10,000 Buddhist monks and novices are also in need of warm clothes. (TNA)