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The weather in Bangkok Thursday was cooler than expected considering the sun was perpendicular to the Earth and it might become colder still as a cyclonic depression called "Mala" heads for the Kingdom this weekend, a climate expert said.

Maytee Mahayosamanta, of the Meteorological Department of Thailand, said Thursday's average temperature was 37 degrees Celsius with considerable cloud and rain in about 20 per cent of the capital.

The prediction of searing heat was only theoretical as it depended on wind, cloud and rain, Maytee said.

Chiang Mai Thursday saw the same average temperature with clouds, strong winds and scattered rain.

On April 7, the northern city had a high temperature of 40.5C, but clouds and rain have since cooled the climate.

In Kanchanaburi the temperature peaked Thursday at 37C and is due to decrease as Mala approaches the Andaman Coast on Saturday.