Frozen North

A 76-year-old woman in Uttaradit froze to death Monday night, after temperatures dropped in the North and Northeast late last week.

Sakhon Noree was found dead in the bed she shared with husband Thone, 83, in their home in Muang district.

Doctors attributed her death to old age and poor heath coupled with exposure to the low temperatures.

Deadly temperatures

The recent premature drop in temperatures ahead of the cool season in the northern provinces has left local hospitals inundated with 1,026 cases of pneumonia and respiratory infections. So far, 15 deaths have been attributed to the unseasonal cold.

Frosts were reported in Chiang Mai province's Doi Inthanon National Park for two days running, after the mercury fell to 6 degrees Celcius.

The forecast for the coming days predicts a further drop of 2 to 3 degrees.

Park officials called on tourists who want to experience the frosts to visit before the crowds arrive for the high season, which begins in mid-December. They said 60 per cent of tourist accommodation is still available for booking.