Thread: Thailand Faces Rising Health Risks as Extreme Heat Wave Intensifies

Thailand is currently grappling with an intense heat wave, prompting officials to issue urgent warnings about escalating health risks, particularly the threat of heatstroke. As temperatures soar to high levels across the country, authorities are calling on the public to adopt critical precautions to safeguard their well-being during this period of extreme weather.


Meteorological reports indicate that Thailand is experiencing some of the hottest conditions in recent memory, with temperatures in certain regions climbing well above 40°C (104°F). The combination of high humidity and relentless sun exposure has created a dangerous environment, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. The Thai Meteorological Department has attributed this extreme weather to a mix of seasonal shifts and broader climate patterns.


For a nation accustomed to a tropical climate, this heat wave stands out as severe. Urban areas like Bangkok, where concrete landscapes trap heat, and rural regions with limited access to cooling resources are both feeling the strain. The elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable, though officials stress that no one is immune to the dangers posed by prolonged exposure to these conditions.


At the forefront of public health concerns is heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition caused by the body overheating. Symptoms include a body temperature exceeding 40°C (104°F), confusion, rapid pulse, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Without prompt intervention, heatstroke can lead to organ damage or death. Authorities have reported a noticeable uptick in hospital admissions linked to heat exhaustion and heatstroke as the heat wave persists.

Dr. Somsak Anantasomboon, a public health official, talked about the urgency of the situation: “We’re seeing more cases of people collapsing from the heat, especially those working outdoors or without proper hydration. This is a wake-up call to take the warnings seriously.” Outdoor laborers, street vendors, and farmers—many of whom lack the option to retreat indoors—are among the hardest hit.


The Thai government, along with health agencies, has rolled out a series of advisories to fix the crisis. Citizens are urged to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty, and to avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages that can worsen dehydration. Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours—typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—are also strongly recommended.


For those without air conditioning, officials suggest spending time in public spaces like libraries, malls, or community centers that offer respite from the heat. Special attention is being directed toward vulnerable populations, with local authorities distributing water and setting up cooling stations in some areas. Employers have been encouraged to adjust work schedules to minimize outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.


As the heat wave shows no immediate signs of abating, the message from officials is clear: prevention is key. Simple measures—staying indoors when possible, monitoring for signs of heat stress, and checking on neighbors or family members—can make a life-saving difference. Schools have begun educating students on heat safety, while social media campaigns are spreading awareness with hashtags like #BeatTheHeatThailand.

Thailand Faces Rising Health Risks as Extreme Heat Wave Intensifies - The Pattaya News

A chap has to wonder if the writer of this "article" - obviously - funded by the climate change mobsters has ever stuck his head out of the door and noticed the weather is the same as every other year, in fact! the summer this year has been the coolest for many years up here in the NE, but why let facts and the truth spoil a well funded agenda.
In fairness it is difficult to push the agenda here due to the long existing extremes - but no harm in trying

If you think the Thai authorities are obsessed with promoting this ridiculous and unproven narrative, you should look at the UK and especially the BBC weather forecasting department in the UK.

They use every trick in the book to convince their audience that the end is nigh, the planet is doomed and we are are all going to burn to death or drown in biblical flooding.

From describing the sort of high winds and heavy rainfall that have been common in the UK for hundreds of years as once in a lifetime extreme events to altering the colours of the temperatures on the weather maps. 23C used to be a yellow colour indicating a warm day, now 23C is coloured a deep crimson, indicating a skin crisping death ray.

This slow brainwashing feeds the net zero insanity that is slowly bankrupting the country through high taxes on energy and cars and making the dependence on foreign i.e. chinese products to supp,y the solar windfarm madness sweeping the country.

Originally Posted by Airportwo

A chap has to wonder if the writer of this "article" - obviously - funded by the climate change mobsters has ever stuck his head out of the door and noticed the weather is the same as every other year, in fact! the summer this year has been the coolest for many years up here in the NE, but why let facts and the truth spoil a well funded agenda.

Hope this helps.

Suspect it won't.

Could do with some rain

Originally Posted by Airportwo

A chap has to wonder if the writer of this "article" - obviously - funded by the climate change mobsters has ever stuck his head out of the door and noticed the weather is the same as every other year, in fact! the summer this year has been the coolest for many years up here in the NE, but why let facts and the truth spoil a well funded agenda.
In fairness it is difficult to push the agenda here due to the long existing extremes - but no harm in trying

Years ago I looked up the number of days over 35 in my northern Isan city. Over 20 years or some long time period, the number had easily doubled. Go take a look at the data yourself. The number of unpleasant days is climbing. Or you think the data is just inaccurate? Perhaps even deliberately inaccurate?

FWIW, the font of all knowledge who lives with me tells me that when she was a child in this Isan village they considered it 'hot' at 30C and exceptional at 35C.
Now, some decades later, we have already touched 40C a couple of days, then we had this odd cool spell for a week, then today it was 38C. Worse is to come.
To be fair, I can't say we are having an intense heat wave compared to recent years. The article doesn't say where the 'hottest conditions in recent memory' are. Is this Bangkok?

Originally Posted by Shutree

FWIW, the font of all knowledge who lives with me tells me that when she was a child in this Isan village they considered it 'hot' at 30C and exceptional at 35C.
Now, some decades later, we have already touched 40C a couple of days, then we had this odd cool spell for a week, then today it was 38C. Worse is to come.
To be fair, I can't say we are having an intense heat wave compared to recent years. The article doesn't say where the 'hottest conditions in recent memory' are. Is this Bangkok?

I think the font of all knowledge maybe somewhat mistaken, although obviously the NE is a large area and there are local variations.

For the last 25 years, I would say that the NE climate has been reasonably predictable with some distinct variations in certain years. This is the hot dry climate and I have known it to be definitely in the high 30's during March and April for many of those years. Sometimes it climbed into the low 40's but this was more the exception than the rule. I planned to be away for these two months during my retirement, and that's probably why I have put off that retirement, so I can afford to be in Europe or Japan or by the coast during this period.

As pointed out by Airportwo, this year is rather exceptional in that it is much cooler during the night than average. Normally we would have the aircon running at this time, or at least the fan but it has not been necessary for most of the time. We have the aircon set at 29C, which gives an idea of our comfort level. Wife had to use it last night but most of the time it has been exceptionally cool this year.

What is of concern is the lack of rain and the amount of evaporation of water from the local ponds and rivers. I'd estimate a good 30% less water than usual in our area. Ponds are shallower and water channels drying up much more than usual, despite the cooler weather.

I have found that this often leads to very powerful electrical storms during May in our area.

Originally Posted by Troy

I think the font of all knowledge maybe somewhat mistaken

Possibly so, she was very young at the time.

Although she is quite insistent when I query her on it. Like, who had a thermometer in the village?

Originally Posted by Troy

I think the font of all knowledge may be somewhat mistaken.

Originally Posted by Shutree

Possibly so, she was very young at the time.