BANGKOK - A SEVERE cold snap in Thailand prompted authorities on
Tuesday to declare an emergency zone across more than half of the
country normally renowned for its tropical weather, climate
officials said.
Local media have reported up to five deaths as a result of
exposure to unusually cold conditions but the Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation Department said they were still verifying the
reports.
As temperatures fell to 4 deg C in some parts, officials said 42
of 76 provinces, mostly in the north and northeast, will get a
special budget to provide blankets and warm clothing.
The Meteorological Department said the temperature in Bangkok
fell to 15 deg C on Monday - cold for the capital, but still far
off its record low of 11 deg C recorded in 1974.
'Because the high pressure from China keeps coming, the cold
weather will stay in Bangkok at least until this weekend,' a
meteorological official said.
On Tuesday, most parts of north and northeast saw temperatures
below 14 deg C coupled with strong winds, with a mountain in
northern Chiang Mai provinces recording a temperature of 4 deg
C.
In Bangkok, commuters and residents used to the heat, sun and
humidity for which Thailand is famous have wrapped up in scarves
and jackets in recent days. -- AFP