A total of 27 provinces across Thailand have declared cold-spell zones as nearly 4 million families have been affected by the cold weather.

Twelve of those provinces are in the north, 13 in the northeast, and two in the central plain.

In response to the cold weather, the DDPM has asked its branch offices nationwide to step up assistance to locals in their respective areas.

The DDPM is requesting more budgets to purchase winter clothes and blankets to be distributed to people in the affected areas.

Those in need have been urged to call Hotline 1784 around the clock.-VNA