Thai North to face storms Jan 8-10

BANGKOK, January 6 (TNA) - Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda warns people in the Thai North to be prepared for possible thunderstorms and hailstorms from January 8-10, 2015, when a new high pressure mass from China and a western wind have been predicted to converge and hit the region. General Anupong cautioned on Tuesday that thunderstorms and hailstorms would, probably, hit 13 northern Thai provinces during the period, including Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Tak, Uttaradit, Lampang, Lamphun,, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae and Nan. The minister told journalists that he has ordered concerned officials on standby for possible evacuation of people in affected areas Meanwhile, Chatchai Phromlert, Director-General of the ministry's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, advised people in the 13 Thai provinces to monitor updated weather reports and disaster warnings and strictly follow official advice. (TNA)