Thailand Urges Action as Extreme Heat Intensifies, Promotes Heat Index to Prevent Heatstroke Risks

Thailand’s Department of Health Thailand has issued an urgent warning as extreme heat conditions intensify across the country, emphasizing that rising temperatures are no longer just a seasonal discomfort but a growing public health risk. Authorities are calling for a shift from passive monitoring to systematic action, using the Heat Index as a key tool to prevent heat-related illnesses, accidents, and fatalities.

 

Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, stated that Thailand is experiencing increasingly severe heat conditions, particularly when high temperatures combine with humidity, making it more difficult for the body to regulate heat. This significantly raises health risks among vulnerable groups, including outdoor workers, the elderly, schoolchildren, and tourists.

 

Health experts warn that heat-related stress can begin with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and excessive sweating, and may escalate into Heatstroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. In addition, extreme heat can impair concentration and increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly among individuals working outdoors.

 

To address these risks, the Department of Health, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has adopted the Heat Index as a central framework for public health decision-making. The system categorizes risk into four levels, ranging from normal activity conditions to extreme danger, where outdoor activities should be halted entirely. Monitoring the Heat Index alongside weather forecasts enables individuals and organizations to plan activities more safely and proactively.

 

Dr. Jittima Rodsawasdi, Director of the Division of Health Impact Assessment, highlighted that the Heat Index is a critical indicator for assessing health risks associated with hot weather. The Ministry of Public Health has implemented a comprehensive approach, covering surveillance systems, protection of vulnerable populations, and preparedness of healthcare services. Authorities are also promoting environmental measures, such as creating cooling spaces and increasing green areas in homes, communities, workplaces, and event venues to reduce heat exposure.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Wanachat Chinsuwatay, Director of the Division of Physical Activity and Health, noted that high-intensity physical activities and outdoor exercise during peak heat hours significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness. He advised adjusting activity intensity, avoiding direct sunlight during midday hours, and choosing safer time periods such as early morning or evening. Employers are also encouraged to implement protective measures, including reducing outdoor working hours, providing shaded rest areas, ensuring access to drinking water, and suspending activities during periods of extreme heat.

 

Authorities stress that extreme heat is a preventable silent threat. By integrating Heat Index data into daily decision-making and public policy, Thailand aims to significantly reduce heat-related illnesses, accidents, and deaths during this period of prolonged high temperatures.

 

Source 

: Thailand Issues Heat Alert as Heat Index Reaches “Extreme Danger” Levels, High Risk Through May

: hfocus