Weather is making the headlines in Thailand with many locals complaining that it is ‘nao mak ma‘ (very cold). It’s the cold season in Thailand at the moment so it is expected that the weather will be cooler than the rest of the year. However, a weather system over China has resulted in an unusual drop in temperature in central and northern Thailand. Of course, a Thai person’s definition of cold is probably very different to the majority of Western people’s definition. I’m in Chiang Mai city with family and have to say that for me personally the weather is ideal. The days are pleasantly warm (around 22-24C) with no humidity and clear blue skies which makes walking around the city a delight. Evenings are cool (around 16-18C) but still comfortable enough with long trousers, shoes and a short-sleeve shirt and there has been no need to use the air-conditioning or fan in my apartment. Female family members have found a shawl useful in the evening, but coming away from sub-zero temperatures in Britain the weather in Chiang Mai city is not exactly what we would call cold. I certainly don’t want to make light of the weather issue because in the mountains and certain areas of the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai countryside the thermometer has dropped to just a few degrees above zero and overnight frost has been reported on Doi Intahnon (Thailand’s highest point). This cold weather is having a significant impact and creating hardship for those Thai people living in accommodation with no heating and no blankets.
It isn’t just the north of Thailand hit by the cooler weather; popular destinations such as Bangkok and Pattaya are also experiencing lower than average temperatures, especially in the evening. For many overseas visitors the cool weather is a bonus, particularly in Bangkok where it is normally hot and humid day and night. It’s always amusing to watch Thai and foreigner dress for the weather in such contrasting fashion. At night and in the early morning, locals can be seen hunched on motorbikes wearing jackets and scarves whilst foreigners walk past wearing shorts and t-shirts. The current cooler weather is forecast to extend into next week.
