BANGKOK, THAILAND – A sharp cold wave driven by a Chinese air mass and Typhoon Koto sent temperatures plunging across Thailand through Saturday.
Nationwide temperature drop hits hardest in the Northeast
The Northeast experienced the strongest cooling, with temperatures falling by 4–7 degrees Celsius, bringing unusually fresh conditions for early cold season. In the North, East, South and central regions, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, readings dropped by 2–4 degrees.
“An extensive cold air mass from China is the reason,”
said Sugunyanee Yavinchan, head of the weather office. She explained that the cold spell was considered certain under the current pattern.
Typhoon Koto over South China Sea steered the chill
The abrupt cooling was linked to Typhoon Koto over the South China Sea, which moved in a northwesterly direction. The storm generated a high-pressure system and reinforced the cold air mass over the region.
Although Koto influenced the weather, it was not expected to strike Thailand directly.
“It will weaken before the southern coast of Vietnam,”
said the weather expert, while noting that Thailand still felt the cold fringes of the system.
Frost reported on Doi Inthanon
On Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, winter conditions had already set in. For the fourth day in a row, visitors reported frost forming on the grass near the summit.
The lowest measured temperature there was just 2 degrees Celsius, turning the mountaintop into a stark winter landscape by Thai standards. Such readings were described as almost arctic for the country, prompting advice for all mountain hikers to dress warmly.
Cold spell expected to ease after Saturday
Forecasters expected the cold wave to persist until Saturday, after which temperatures were likely to rise gradually. The overall pattern was typical for this time of year, but the intensity of the current outbreak took many residents by surprise.
People were encouraged to use the coming days for cosy evenings at home as the Thai “winter” showed its coldest side so far. The typhoon was set to turn away, yet the chill was forecast to linger over the Northeast and Bangkok while frost continued to form on Doi Inthanon.
Seasonal chill raises questions about December
As the Northeast shivered, Bangkok cooled noticeably and frost covered the country’s highest peak, some observers wondered if this was a preview of an unusually cold December. The change in weather also sparked everyday choices across Thailand, from switching off air conditioners to pulling on sweaters as households adjusted to the rare chill.