Snow in Thailand
By Talen on Dec 16, 2008 in Thai life, Thailand History, Thailand News
Snow in Thailand
Seems unlikely, but in January of 1955 it actually snowed in Chang Rai province. The first time I heard this I laughed because Thailand is a tropical climate and Bangkok is known as the hottest city in the world. It wasn’t until I made a trip up country to Mukdahan, in the North East of Thailand, last January that I realized just how much the temperature varies in Thailand.
When I checked into the Mukdahan Grand hotel that day I thought it odd that the shower had actual hot water connected to it not just one of those hanging hot water attachments, it also looked as if the hotel room had a heater unit. I didn’t think too much about it though being as it was an 80 degree day. Now, 80 degrees is a shade cool to most Thais and when the temperature drops to the 80′s you’ll see all manner of Thai women throwing on jackets…which is a very funny sight.
That day my girlfriend had her jacket on as well and warned me that it would be cold tonight. I figured cold to her would be 70 so I had on shorts and a t-shirt. Little did I know that later that night the temperature would drop to the high 40′s and I was indeed a bit chilly. When we got back to the hotel the heat was on and the bed was turned down revealing heavy blankets. My girlfriend just laughed at me because I didn’t listen to her…but who knew Thailand could get cold?
Just as recently as last week His Majesty the King’s foundation has provided over 1000 blankets and clothes to the northern province of Mae Hong Son for use by poor villagers and students, with more being readied for the hill tribe community in the northern province of Lampang. A recent cold snap in the north has been colder than usual.
Talking to my girlfriend last night she believes it could snow at any moment it’s so cold. While I doubt it will snow in Thailand any time soon I think I’ll err on the side of caution my next trip and bring a jacket!
And you thought you knew about Thailand? Check the link for more amazing facts about the land of smiles, Thailand.
We all want to play in some snow so I’m considering taking a vacation to get some snow when most people want sun, maybe I would enjoy a subzero climate especially if I was able to there without breaking the bank with cheap holidays availiable I would take a trip without hesitation.
Bring your coat its positively cool down here. Mind you I bet I won’t be complaining about the cold in April, just moaning about getting a good soaking thanks to some water throwing Thais.
Mikes last blog post..Green Shirts at Stansted Airport?
Mike | Dec 17, 2008 | Reply
I’ll definitely be bringing a jacket and keeping the girlfriend close. As for being soaked by Thais I can think of much worse fates…like being soaked by the falangs that take it too far in places like Bangkok and Pattaya.
Talen | Dec 18, 2008 | Reply
It may not be snowing right now in Thailand or Pattaya, but for us expats living here in Pattaya we are finding in very cold this december.
When i first came to pattaya and saw a long sleeve jumper for sale, i thought it was funny and wondered who ever would buy a jumper here in Thailand?
This year i have been really feeling the cold, without the humidity the cold really gets to me, and yes it was me who purchased a much needed long sleeve jumper from the market
So its Christmas in Asia and possible Summer in the UK.
UK Visa | Dec 23, 2008 | Reply
Sounds to me that you have gone native:)
If the UK is anything like America at the moment then it is very very cold, so I think you made the right choice.
Talen | Dec 24, 2008 | Reply
Thailand is a big country, with the northern part of Thailand being a little cooler than the tourist areas in the south.
It may have been many years since the white snows fell softly on to Thailand, but in many parts on the country at this type of year, people need to wrap up and keep warm
But for us in the tourist area of pattaya, the weather is warm the sun is shining and I am pleased to be looking at a holiday beach from my apartment in the View Talay Pattaya
View Talay Pattayas last blog post..Weary stranded Brits join BA’s first flight home. Ladyboys beg tourists to return – Evening Standard
View Talay Pattaya | Dec 28, 2008 | Reply