Temperatures Drop In Thailand As Locals Flock To Parks And Mountains

By Linda Khoo BANGKOK, Dec 6 (Bernama) – Thailand is experiencing colder weather as temperatures in the kingdom is forecast to continue to drop to as low as 6 degrees Celsius in its northern regions while minimum temperatures of 13 degree Celsius is forecast in its central region, including Bangkok. Thai Meteorological Department’s director-general Somsak Khaosuwan said a strong high pressure system from China would cover Thailand and temperatures are expected to drop by 6 to 8 degrees Celcius with strong winds likely in upper Thailand. “Starting this Saturday to next Monday (Dec 9), the lowest temperature is expected over upper Thailand. Cold to very cold is likely in the North and the Northeast with minimum temperatures ranging from 6 to 12 degrees Celsius. “On mountaintops very cold weather with isolated frost is expected with minimum temperatures in range of 1 to 8 degrees Celsius. “In the Central region including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the East region, it is forecast to have colder weather with the minimum temperatures ranging 13 to 18 degrees Celsius. People should stay safe and keep healthy,” he said in a statement here Thursday. Winter in Thailand started in mid-October and is expected to end in mid-February next year. As the temperatures continue to drop in the north and northeast of Thailand, locals and tourists flocked to national parks and camping sites on mountaintops to experience the cold weather. In Phu Chi Fah Forest National Park in Chiang Rai, park officials said the number of visitors has increased significantly as many want to experience the cold weather temperatures hovering between 8 to 10 degree Celsius. In Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai of northern Thailand and more than 10,000 visitors are expected to visit the park in the coming weekends as temperatures continue to drop. -- BERNAMA