12 Signs of Thai winter

Winter is coming (Game of Thrones pun intended). Well, it's already here actually, according to the Meteorological Department which announced that Thai winter started on Oct 30. All regions in Thailand can expect some colder weather, except for in the South where rain will continue. While you look forward to nicer weather and year-end festivities, you can also look out for these possible signs of Thai winter in the coming months too. Because there is such a thing.

1. Bangkokians take the dropping of Celsius as an opportunity to accessorise themselves with winter fashion. They don sweaters, hoodies, scarves and jackets to combat the freezing air-cons of offices or malls, while their office chairs double as a hanger for pieces of outerwear.

2. Those who don't have hot showers at home may decide to forego morning showers altogether. You know who you are guys.

3. It takes us longer just to get out of bed. The weather is so nice. We just want to stay cosy in bed all day. Well, until mum knocks on the door.

4. Some may be mentally absent at work as they're dreaming about their year-end getaway. They may strategically use their vacation leave to score themselves an extended break around Xmas and New Year. The IT department may detect a sharp increase in the number of people visiting Pantip for travel ideas.

5. Who needs a fireplace to keep warm? We make our own impromptu portable bonfires by burning things in a clay stove when it gets particularly cold.

6. As the temperature drops, our hearts grow warmer through the gestures of kindness people show to others. Companies donate sweaters and blankets to the villagers living in rural areas. Foundations and volunteer groups offer clothes for the homeless. Dogs at temples and shelters wear human hand-me-downs to keep warm.

7. The winter brings out the wordsmiths in many Thais, it seems. Brace yourself for cringe-worthy, winter-inspired and I'm-single-and-funny lines on social media. These online golden sentences include "I can live without a blanket this winter, but I can't live without you"; "This winter I'm offering you free hugs. If they aren't good enough, you can hug me back"; "I don't need anyone to hug this winter. I'm looking for someone to hug for all seasons"; and "My hands are cold. Touch them if you don't believe me".

8. The screen grabs of the weather forecast on smartphones will pop up on your Facebook newsfeed. Who needs the Meteorological Department, right?

9. Some schools allow pupils to bring their own blankets to cover themselves. I foresee hilarious pictures of colourful blanket ghosts going viral.

10. You know what's colder than a Thai winter? Riding on a motorcycle during Thai winter. Perhaps that explains why some Thais cover themselves with blankets while riding a motorcycle. And it's totally safe because there's like zero chance that the blanket will get stuck in the wheels. And I'm being sarcastic btw.

11. The consumption of alcoholic drinks apparently goes up despite warnings from the health authorities that say drinking doesn't make your body warmer.

12. For a domestic winter getaway, Thais go camping on mountains with names that either begin with doi or phu. Their selfies are likely to be of them in a beanie hat and jacket against the backdrop of an early sunrise and mist-shrouded mountain. They have to get up really early for that shot. Or they go to a blossoming flower field to take even more pictures.