18 districts in Chiang Rai declared as freezing area

18 districts in Chiang Rai province has been declared as cold-affected areas. Meanwhile, the province expedites aid to hill tribe people.

Chiang Rai Governor Preecha Kamonbutr (ปรีชา กมลบุตร) says most of the victims from the cold weather in the province are tribesmen living on mountain areas. Currently, there are an estimated 400,000 tribesmen residing in high areas. However, these people have yet received assistance from the authorities in line with new compensation regulations which treat them like all Thai citizens.

The governor adds that the province has requested the private sector and various foundations to help provide aid for the victims of the cold.

The government has allocated 50 million baht for each province affected by the freezing weather condition.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 November 2007

18 districts might be declared as freezing areas but I'll bet that NONE of them actually has had any freezing weather this season.

but they might yet - and 8 & 9 years ago, people died from cold in CR...

Aren't the people who die from exposure in Chiangrai passed out drunks?...otherwise wouldn't you stay active at night when it get's cold and thus avoid death?

some who died were in jail

And some who were caught being naughty said they were just huddling together for warmth.

3-4 people died during the construction of Overbrook Hospital. They were sleeping on the job, in the basement area. I remember that year it was really cold. The paraffin heater they were huddled around gave of toxic fumes and they were overcome.