Winter story: Thai cool season arrives fashionably late with icy twist

Brace yourselves, Thailand’s winter this year will arrive a little late but pack an extra punch of chill. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced that the cool season will kick off in the third week of October, with temperatures set to dip lower than last year.

Although winter will extend until late February, the TMD is predicting cooler-than-usual temperatures. The north is expected to see an average low of 20 to 21 degrees Celsius, down from last year’s 21.6°C. But for those braving the mountains, it could get seriously frosty with temperatures dropping to as low as 6 to 8°C. For Bangkokians, the chill will also be felt, with the capital set to experience lows of 16 to 18°C, and its outskirts could drop to a chilly 14°C.

The coldest period will hit from early December through January, with the mountain regions likely to see frost several times, the department warned. If you’re headed north for some winter magic, prepare for some postcard-worthy frosted mornings.

However, it’s not all cosy sweaters and hot drinks. Southern Thailand is in for a rougher ride, particularly the lower regions, where heavy rains in November and December could cause flash floods and runoffs. Only the upper part of the south will get a slight reprieve with a dip in temperature, reported The Nation.

In related news, Thailand is bracing for a deluge today, with the TMD sounding the alarm for 54 provinces. Heavy rain is set to drench Bangkok and its surrounding areas, while the central region is looking at a whopping 80% chance of rainfall, and the north isn’t far behind with a 70% prediction!

In other news, the Thai Cabinet has revised flood victim compensation to a uniform rate of 9,000 baht per household, replacing the previous variable range of 5,000 to 9,000 baht. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting, citing the severity of the flood situation as the reason for the new compensation structure.