Cool weather covers Thai-Cambodian border

NAKHON PHANOM, December 31 (TNA) - Cool weather has swept over the Thai-Cambodian border after active high pressure from China covers northeastern Thailand, causing hardships to the poor living along the Mekong River. In Nakhon Phanom province bordering Laos, the temperature on New Year’s Eve dropped to its lowest in 2012 to 10 Celsius. Poor villagers living in the province, especially those staying near the banks of Mekong River, had to warm themselves by staying near bonfire while fishermen decided to stay ashore due to cooler weather and strong wind. The situation along Thai-Cambodian border near the ancient temple of Preah Vihear was no better than the upper Northeast. Villagers had to warm themselves by staying near bonfire while holidaymakers braved the cool weather by walking to the Preah Vihear National Park. The temperature above the ancient temple early Monday was measured at 11 Celsius. Civil Defence volunteers in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket border province had to wear jackets to protect themselves from very cool weather while directing traffic to facilitate New Year revellers round-the-clock. The volunteers had to also stay near the bonfire which they had prepared. As cool weather sweeps through the region, poor people packed garment shops selling used shirts as they are not pricey. Prices of used shirts ranged from 20 to 180 baht, depending on their condition. (TNA)