Explainer: Why Extreme Heat in Thailand Is Lethal and How to Survive It?

From spicy foods and lively night markets to majestic temples and go-go bars, Bangkok is brimming with attractions that tourists won’t say no to. Amidst the plethora of leisure options, Thailand’s capital is a densely populated city dominated by towering structures and limited green spaces. This urban landscape contributes to the city’s intensely high temperature throughout the year.

In April 2023, the National News Bureau of Thailand reported that there were 43 heat stroke-related deaths in Thailand. Heatstroke occurs when a person’s sweating mechanism fails and is unable to cool down, reaching a body temperature of 41 degrees Celsius (°C) or higher.

Among these tragic incidents is the passing of tycoon-politician Chonsawat Asavahame who had a history of heart disease and died from heatstroke during a race car practice at Buriram on March 30, 2023, the Thai PBS World reported.

Just before February ended, the Meteorological Department officially declared that Thailand entered the summer season in 2024.

Why is Thailand So Hot?

It’s not new information that Thailand is situated near the equator, hence its consistent warm weather. According to data from 15 local weather stations, Thailand’s average maximum daily temperature from June to August was 33.5 °C, with the driest region located near Nakhon Ratchasima.

In a 2020 case study titled “Future of the Human Niche” by Xu, Chi, et al., it was found that countries with mean annual temperatures above 29°C, including Thailand, could potentially become uninhabitably hot in 2070.

The heatwave in Thailand is particularly high every April, with Mae Hong Son shattering the country’s highest ever recorded of 44.6 °C on April 28, 2016.

The kingdom is experiencing human-induced climate change driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and industrial revolution that exacerbates the global mean temperature, Assistant Professor Witsanu Attavanich from Kasetsart University’s Economics Department said in an interview with the Bangkok Post on April 18, 2023.

The summer heat is expected to continue after the monsoon season around mid-May due to the developing El Niño phenomenon, Prof. Witsanu added. This indicates that there will be less rainfall during the La Niña phase.

If you’ve been to Thailand, you’ll likely have noticed that most households rely on air-conditioners to brave the sweltering weather. In March of last year, Thailand reached an eight-year high in air-conditioner production, with THB 28.64 million worth of units exported, The Nation Thailand reported. For this reason, the nationwide energy consumption surged to 29,004.6 megawatts in 2016, according to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand via AP News.

Apart from Thailand, many countries across Southeast Asia are experiencing mercury spiking and drought conditions attributed to the warming of specific areas in the Pacific Ocean.

How to Survive Thailand’s Summer Heat

From mild skin rashes to severe heat stroke, extreme heat poses lethal health risks. That is why it is crucial to make some adjustments in your daily outdoor routine to prevent jeopardising your well-being. Those living in Bangkok would likely experience the “urban heat island” due to the city’s buildings made of asphalt and concrete that absorb and retain heat.

During these torrid conditions, drinking plain water is important, particularly when going outside. While individual water needs may vary based on body size and other factors, the recommended daily water intake is at least 1.9 litres (or around 8 cups).

With the changing climate patterns, however, Thailand’s water supply was also affected. In 2016, the Bangkok Post reported that approximately 4% of villages nationwide suffered from water shortages, while 3,092 villages in 13 provinces in the North, the Central Plain, and the Northeast were declared drought-affected areas. Moreover, 12 provinces for agriculture also suffered water crises including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, and Surin.

This year, the Provincial Waterworks Authority launched the “Public and Government Drought Relief 2024” campaign in a bid to distribute free water across its 234 branches nationwide.

Moreover, handheld electric fans are popular among commuters because of their convenience and portability. If the temperature is over 35°C, however, these fans are not effective in lowering your body temperature despite the airflow it creates. Instead, you may opt to bring a misting bottle to help cool off as the water evaporates on your skin. If you don’t have it, you may use a damp towel as an alternative form of relief to help you feel cooler.

To keep you updated on Thailand’s weather forecast and climate services, visit Thai Meteorological Department’s official website.