Tourists flock to Thailand's shivering North, Northeast

BANGKOK, November 16 (TNA) - As temperature atop Phu Chi Fah in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai dropped to 14 Celsius before dawn Sunday, about 1,000 local and foreign tourists braved the chilly weather to see the sun rose and sea of fog. Several tourist destinations in the province are now packed with tourists, especially at Phu Chi Fah because visitors could admire the beauty of the sun when it starts rising amidst the sea of fog. Those carrying cameras also did not miss their chance to take pictures of frozen dew on grasses. Bantherng Kruawong, chief of Chiang Rai tourism community, opined that tourism atmosphere at Phu Chi Fah has been active since the beginning of this month and is expected to remain bullish until the New Year’s celebrations when at least 10,000 tourists visit Phu Chi Fah. Mr. Bantherng said there are more 1,000 resort and hotel rooms in the area and most of them are now fully booked by tourists. In the northeast, the temperature in Si Sa Ket province also dropped to 19 Celsius at Pa Mor E-Dang in Khao Phra Viharn national park. Tourists from nearby provinces including Ubon Ratchathani and Surin went up the mountain to see the exciting scenery and, of course, the sun as it rises above the three countries -- Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Elsewhere, the situation at nearby ancient Preah Vihear temple, contested by Cambodia and Thailand, remains calm as border patrol policemen of the two countries perform their duties as usual on both sides of the border. (TNA)