Sun at zenith over Thailand
The sun will be at zenith in Bangkok on April 27, although it may not be the hottest day due to various factors, a senior official at the Science and Technology Ministry’s National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) said.
During April-May, the sun will be at zenith in various provinces in Thailand starting from Yala’s Betong district at 12.19pm on April 5 before moving upwards gradually, said NARIT deputy director Saran Poshyachinda.
Phuket will see the sun at zenith on April 10 at 12.28pm, Pattaya on April 24 at 12.15pm.
Bangkokians would see the sun at it’s highest position – 90 degrees above their heads where shadows will be at the minimum level possible – at 12.16pm on April 27.
On May 19 at 12.17pm, the sun will be at zenith in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district.
Although the sun will be at zenith, when areas will fully receive solar power, Saran said it will not neccesary mean that the temperature would be at the highest. Other factors, such as rain, clouds, monsoon influence and heat accumulation in the atmosphere could affect the intensity.
Countries in the tropical zone of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, see the sun at near zenith two days each year at most. The sun won’t be at zenith in Bangkok again until August 16 at 12.24pm.