Blackout plunges Bangkok into sweaty, sleepless night

A flash of lighting from last night’s freak storm. Photo: @Romeo_Jokers/ Twitter
A flash of lighting from last night’s freak storm. Photo: @Romeo_Jokers/ Twitter

The Thrones were watched, the kitties tucked in and all that was left for Bangkok was a good night’s sleep. But it wasn’t meant to be.

Many Bangkokians were left sweating it out without aircon last night after a freak storm caused blackouts and brownouts in parts of the capital city – during a sweltering heatwave.

A map of the blackout areas displayed via the Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s phone application at around 12:30am Screenshot: MEA Smart App
A map of the blackout areas displayed via the Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s phone application at around 12:30am
Screenshot: MEA SmartLife

“It’s not only raining, but there’s also a power outage in Prawet. It’s already been over an hour, and nothing’s moving. It’s so frickin’ hot. At first I was happy to sleep in my AC, listening to the pitter patter of the rain, then the lights had to go ahead and cut out,” BP_Lalalisa_TH tweeted.

This morning #blackout and #rain were among the top trending hashtags on Thai Twitter this morning as netizens, as is their want, took to social media to express outrage over the inconvenience.

“I don’t know what will be faster, waiting for the Call Center to pick up or waiting for the lights to come back on,” a frustrated @Cnkmrs tweeted. As of publication time, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority has made no statement regarding the blackout. Representatives could not be reached by phone.

The late-night weather surprise was blamed for causing a short circuit that affected many areas, according to Morning News. No injuries, deaths or serious damage were reported to emergency services. The affected districts included Lat Phrao, Pra Khanong, Bang Na, Khlong Toei and Phaya Thai.

Bangkok, like most of Thailand, has been broiling in a wretched summer heatwave with power consumption hitting peak levels.

More thunderstorms are forecast for today in parts of the north and northeast. The capital is expected to reach a scorching 37C that will feel more like 41C.

 



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