High risk as mercury rises

On Monday, Thailand will officially enter the hot, or summer, season. The Ministry of Public Health has warned citizens and businesses to prepare for what is expected to be a more severe summer than last year, due to rising global temperatures.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts temperatures ranging from 36–37C, with some areas such as Mae Hong Son, Tak, and Bangkok expected to reach 40–42C, a level that can trigger heatstroke.

While Thais are accustomed to hot weather, heatstroke is different. It is a life-threatening condition marked by a core body temperature exceeding 40C and can lead to severe complications, particularly for those with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The Department of Medical Services (DoMS) urges families and communities to monitor five vulnerable groups: the elderly, young children, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, and those with limited access to cooling or clean water.

There were 212 heatstroke fatalities in Thailand during 2019–2024, with 61 of them happening in 2024 alone.

The question is whether our government -- the responsible ministries and provincial governors -- is adequately preparing Thailand to cope with recurring extreme heat, not just this summer but in years to come.

For Bangkok residents, there is at least some good news. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared an action plan to address heatwaves. The plan identifies 379 heat-risk zones across the city -- most of which are hotspots such as construction sites, parks, motorcycle taxi stands, markets, sports fields, and densely populated communities.

BMA has introduced a four-level heat warning system: green (monitoring), yellow (warning), orange (danger), and red (extreme danger). City Hall will take responsive actions based on the warning level.

For example, in orange zones, free cool water and shaded rest areas with fans will be provided. In red zones, paramedics will be on standby to treat patients with heatstroke. Infrastructure improvements, including the creation of small public gardens to provide shade, are also part of the plan.

The concern, however, is whether similar systematic heatwave plans exist in high-risk provinces such as Mae Hong Son and Tak, known for their extreme temperatures. It is likely that they don't, as most provinces appear to respond in a piecemeal manner, providing only temporary shade.

Vulnerable populations need more. Governments must promote innovations such as heat-reflective colours, cooler building materials, and public fountains to help citizens stay cool.

Labour laws have been revised in some areas to allow flexible work hours and require employers to provide cooling facilities.

Public health authorities also need to educate the public, particularly about the risks of alcohol consumption and the importance of medical treatment for heat-related conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

In Thailand, most heatwave-related deaths occur among outdoor workers and individuals consuming alcohol.

It can only be hoped that national and local governments will do more than merely advise people to "stay indoors" and "drink plenty of water".