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In an unexpected turn of events, Bangkok's mercury dipped as low as 15.2 degrees Celsius (59.3 degrees Fahrenheit) on a chilly Monday, marking the city's coldest spell in years. The Thai Meteorological Department forewarned of persisting cool conditions through mid-February, sending locals grabbing for sweaters and shivering in the typically balmy capital.
Even on bustling Silom Road, the heart of downtown Bangkok, inhabitants donned hoodies and poked hands into pockets for warmth. A 63-year-old beverage vendor named Kai, recalled, "This year is different. I can't remember Bangkok ever being this frosty." Her sentiment echoed a common complaint from the residents.
Typically, Bangkok maintains temperatures between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius (73 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit) in January, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, making it an alluring winter escape for tourists from the northern hemisphere. However, this year, even Thailand's northern bluffs, often known as the Thai highlands, experienced unusually low temperatures.
Chiang Mai's city average plunged to 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) in January, as reported by the meteorological department. This unusual cold snap was prompted by a high-pressure shift from China, said the Thai Meteorological Department.
Bangkok's unparalleled low temperature, recorded on Monday, was the coldest since 2020, as per Department's records. The city's coldest recorded temperature was approximately 9.9 degrees Celsius (49 degrees Fahrenheit) on January 12, 1955, per historical data.
While cautiously optimistic about its business potential, Bangkok's residents acknowledged that the unusual chill was a refreshing departure from the usual heat.
"I hope this will boost my sales as more people come out to explore the city," Kai said, hopeful for her street-side business. Normally, Bangkok experienced a dramatic decline in footfall after lunchtime, a consequence of the scorching heat.
For Thanawat Yooyen, a 28-year-old office worker, the mere taste of winter was a welcome respite: "I am relishing these fleeting winter moments," she said, preferring 'something' over 'nothing.'
In line with the chilly trend, social media was abuzz with pleas for warmth and cozy jackets. One user imbued, "Mother Elsa has brought the cold, everyone in Bangkok is shivering," a reference to "Frozen's" snow queen, while another said, "With a jacket, I'm freezing in Bangkok!"
With the potential for fire hazards exacerbated by the dry winter winds, authorities urged residents to prioritize warmth precautions.
Contributions courtesy of Robert Shackelford, CNN.
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Travelers planning a winter escape to Bangkok might want to pack warm clothes, as the city's usually balmy temperatures have dropped significantly due to unusual weather conditions. This news of Bangkok's coldest spell in years has sparked excitement on social media, with local residents and tourists alike sharing their experiences of the chilly city.
