PATTAYA, THAILAND – An unusual cold wave brought chilly nights, strong winds and rough seas to the seaside city and the wider Chonburi province.
Sharp overnight temperature drop
The Thai Meteorological Department warned that the region experienced a marked fall in temperatures, with nighttime lows of 16–18°C while daytime highs still reached 28–30°C. A mass of cold air from northern Thailand spread into the southeast, pushing down readings and bringing an unexpectedly cool feel to the usually tropical resort.
Winds made conditions feel colder
Strong northeasterly winds of 10–30 km/h swept through Pattaya’s streets, making the already low temperatures feel even colder. For many visitors expecting a beach holiday in steady heat, the intensity of the short-lived cold snap came as a shock.
Rough seas and safety warnings offshore
While people on land shivered, the sea off Pattaya’s coast turned rough, with waves rising up to 2 metres and even higher in thunderstorm zones. Authorities urged sailors and water sports enthusiasts to exercise great caution.
“Avoid the water in stormy conditions.”
said a spokesperson, who advised that planned boat trips should be postponed in favour of safety.
Advice for residents and tourists
Officials recommended that residents and visitors prepare warm clothing, noting that light jackets and sweaters had become essential, especially for evening walks along Pattaya Beach. People were also urged to secure loose outdoor items that could be caught by the strong winds and to follow current weather warnings to remain safe.
Country split between cold and storms
The cold spell over Pattaya coincided with even more extreme conditions in northern Thailand, where frost appeared in the mountains and temperatures continued to fall. In contrast, the south of the country grappled with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, leaving Pattaya on the boundary between these two weather extremes.
Short but intense chill expected
The cold outbreak was expected to be brief but unusually intense for the area. Authorities and locals alike described the cooler breeze as refreshing, while warning against underestimating the power of nature along the Gulf of Thailand coast.