CHIANG MAI, April 25 (TNA) – Thailand is facing extreme
hot spell this week especially in the North where the mercury reaches over 40
degrees Celsius.
Mae Taeng elephant camp in Chiang Mai province has reduced
work load of the elephants, by cutting schedule for show trekking out of
concerns over the health of its 70 jumbos.
Mahouts take their elephant for dip in the water to ease the
heat during spare time.
Elephant camp management says it is unusually hot this
week. 
Over one week of hot spell with average temperature peak
above 40 degree Celsius in Uttaradit province, economic crops and fruits have
been severely affected, especially the famous variety of durian, Long
Lablae. 
Farmers have appealed for help from artificial rain-making
unit.
Drought-hit areas in the north including Payao province have
to rely on water truck provided by the military. 
Thai public health officials have warned about risks of heat
urging children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, obese people to
stay hydrated.
The Meteorological Department reports that a pressure system
known as a “thermal low” is covering upper Thailand and is likely to prevail
for the rest of the week, causing hot spells with possible outbreaks of summer
storms.(TNA)
