A total of 8,922 villages in 142 districts of 21 provinces have been declared drought affected zones, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported on Tuesday.

The provinces are Kamphaengp Pet, Lampang, Lamphun, Sukhothai, Nan, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Uttaradit, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Suphan Buri, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Haze pollution still prevails in the provinces of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan and Phayao, the department said.

However the cold spell that hit several provinces in northern and northeastern regions has now eased.