Thailand Faces Severe Summer Heat and PM2.5; Public Urged to Hydrate Every 20 Minutes and Avoid Outdoor Exposure

Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital under the Department of Medical Services has warned that Thailand is entering the 2026 summer season with temperatures expected to be higher than last year, increasing the risk of compound disasters involving extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and PM2.5 air pollution. Health authorities caution that heatwaves can trigger heat stroke, a life-threatening condition, and exacerbate pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. High-risk groups include older adults, children, pregnant women, and patients with heart, kidney, lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as outdoor workers in construction, agriculture, and transport sectors, particularly those with limited access to air conditioning, clean drinking water, or cool environments. Officials also highlighted that indoor heat exposure has become an increasingly significant health risk, especially when combined with air pollution and water shortages.

The hospital advises the public to drink water regularly even without feeling thirsty except for those on medically restricted fluid intake, and to cool the body by staying in air-conditioned spaces, taking showers, or using fans. Outdoor activities should be avoided during peak heat hours, typically from late morning to mid-afternoon, and air quality index (AQI) levels should be closely monitored when heat coincides with high pollution. For workers and employers, authorities recommend drinking at least one glass of water (approximately 8 ounces) every 20 minutes while working in hot conditions, increasing rest breaks during extreme heat, providing shaded or cooled rest areas, adjusting heavy work to early morning or late afternoon, implementing buddy systems, and ensuring supervisors monitor symptoms regularly especially among new workers or those returning after a break who may not yet be acclimatized.

Warning signs of heat stroke requiring immediate medical attention include extreme fatigue, confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness, very high body temperature, hot dry skin, or excessive sweating. Individuals showing these symptoms should be moved to a cool area immediately, have clothing loosened, be cooled with water or cold compresses, and be taken to the nearest hospital without delay. The hospital further recommends checking weather forecasts regularly, preparing sufficient drinking water and oral rehydration solutions for physically demanding work, identifying nearby “cooling centers” such as air-conditioned public buildings, and checking on vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly people living alone. Authorities emphasize that prevention and preparedness are critical to reducing health impacts during this year’s anticipated severe summer conditions.

Source : Thai Health Promotion Foundation