Thailand’s Meteorological Department has instructed people to prepare for a tropical storm heading for the lower northern region of the country as a result of a cold air mass, or high pressure, coming in from China.

The department warns that several regions in the lower North, the Northeast and Central Thailand, including Bangkok, are likely to see heavy rainfall and wind gusts.

A number of provinces possibly will also experience hail. People have been warned of the risks brought on by the tropical storm, and to guard their homes, building materials and billboard foundations. It also issued a warning against wearing ornaments such as the popular gold amulets, which can easily attract lightning in open areas during thunder storms.

In a related development, Mr. Surapol Sawetseranee, Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that a number of visitors had cancelled their hotel bookings in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son as a result of the existing smog and haze in the region.

Both provinces have been declared natural disaster areas by the interim government. According to Mr. Surapol the TAT is waiting for concerned agencies to resolve the situation before reporting the facts to tourists. As the haze is not due to natural causes, it should be possible to clear it in time for the annual Songkran Festival in mid-April, when hordes of tourists are expected to arrive in Chiang Mai.