Winter Holiday Weather in Thailand

Posted by Mari Nicholson Dec 6, 2007

Just a few years ago, Northern Thailand suffered a vicious cold spell. An icy wind blew straight from Siberia, or so they said, and caused great misery among the poor hill dwellers in the north of the country. Pleas went out for blankets and warm woolen clothes to be donated and sent up north to help the old people and children. This in a country where warm, woolen clothes are almost unheard of.

We molly-coddled tourists down south also suffered from this cold snap. The hot, sultry weather that attracted visitors from all corners of the globe was replaced by cold wintry winds. Most of us had to buy warm sweaters, and local stall-holders made a killing by raiding the factories for jogging trousers and sweat tops (earmarked for export) to sell to shivering tourists.

I'm mindful of that time as I pack for my trip, and a couple of warm garments find a place among the cotton kaftans and flimsy, floaty pieces for those hot evenings. Weather patterns have changed all over the world, so why should Asia be any different?

I hope the mountain people are well prepared. Nothing is worse than cold nights without the warmth of a blanket for comfort when the temperature drops an extra 10 degrees. So, fingers crossed for the normal weather pattern to be established. I shall know soon enough.

My next blog shall be from Thailand, where I hope to soon be reading the local papers and catching up on the news about the forthcoming promised election on December 23rd. The political situation is very interesting at the moment and it could be an exciting election!

Till then, a Very Happy Christmas to all.