British tourists visiting Thailand are experiencing an unusually cool stretch of weather that is likely to remind them more of January at home.
Forecasters say the cool temperatures could last until mid-February.
On Thursday morning, areas across Thailand were feeling the cool, especially in the north. The Meteorological Department said temperatures in the north and northeast dropped as low as 8C, while on the mountains they hit 2C.
The past few weeks have been particularly enjoyable for many people in Bangkok, where high temperatures in the summer can rise to 35-40C.
Thursday saw a slight rise in temperatures in the city, but the lows were still measured at 19-21C.
For some, the cooler temperatures are a welcome reprieve.
German expat Thomas Singenberger, who has been living in Thailand for 10 years, said the weather made his morning run much more pleasant.
“It’s really nice and cold. So it’s a good feeling to get up early,” he said. “Even sleeping without AC is really nice at the moment and to open the windows.”
Earlier this week the weather was even cooler. On Monday, Bangkok temperatures touched 15degC, which the weather department said was the lowest this year for the capital.
Food vendor Ekkarak Kamtan, wearing a thick denim shirt over a T-shirt, said he didn’t care for the chilly temperatures. “I’ve never felt so cold like this... The hot weather’s better,” he said with a laugh.
While temperatures could rise next week, the Meteorological Department said the cooler conditions will likely remain until mid-February, especially in the north and northeast, and summer temperatures are expected to be milder than usual.
This is due to the impact of La Nina, an occasional but natural cooling of the equatorial Pacific that also changes weather worldwide.
The cool spell coincides with seasonal air pollution in Bangkok, which usually starts in October and lasts until February. Along with warm clothing, many people also donned face masks outdoors.
