Chilly days ahead for North

Northerners were advised yesterday to brace for a further plunge of three to five degrees in temperature at the end of this week.

"Tourists have continued to flock in. They want to enjoy the cool weather," said Jiradej Boonmark of the Royal Agricultural Station at Doi Angkhang in the far North. The lowest reading in the North was recorded there, with the mercury falling to just 2.5C, he said.

Frost was seen on many plants in the station's compound. Another highlight was its blooms, some from flora native to temperate climates. All guestrooms at the station, which can accommodate more than 100 visitors, were fully booked till next month, he said.

According to the northern weather bureau, a high-pressure ridge from China is headed to the North and already covers Laos and upper Vietnam. The front is expected to bring rain and strong wind.