BANGKOK, Nov 13 — Thirteen provinces in the north and northeastern regions Thailand are now hit by a cold spell, and the Meteorological Department forecasts that frigid temperatures in the North this year will be much more severe than in past years.

Altogether 14,260 villages in the 13 provinces are currently affected by the cold spell and declared disaster zones from cold, said the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The 13 provinces are Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Loei, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai.

MCOT