The Social Security Office warns insured workers to be cautious of illnesses brought by hot weather, advising them to eat hot food, use shared spoons, wash hands, and take care of their health. They emphasize that emergency patients can receive treatment immediately at no cost.
On 6 Jul 2024 GMT+7,Ms. Kanjana PhulkaewSecretary-General of the Social Security Office (SSO), Ministry of Labor, said,. The Social Security Office warns insured workers to watch for diseases common in the hot season as Thailand enters a period of intense heat. This increases the risk of illness, especially among employees and insured persons, from contaminated food and drinking water, which can rapidly grow and spread in such conditions. Diseases to watch for in the hot season include gastrointestinal illnesses such as acute diarrhea, food poisoning, typhoid, and cholera, as well as respiratory diseases, skin conditions, rabies, and stress-related disorders. Additionally, extreme heat can cause heatstroke, a dangerous condition that can be fatal, particularly for those working outdoors for extended periods.
The Social Security Office recommends basic health care principles: eat hot food, use shared serving spoons, wash hands, choose clean and fresh food and drinking water, and avoid ice or excessively cold drinks.Drinksthat are very cold should be avoided. People should not lie directly in cold air or breeze when sweating, as this can disrupt body temperature. Also, ensure sufficient rest, eat easily digestible foods such as rice porridge and fruit, and avoid fried, fatty, or dry foods.
The Secretary-General added that insured persons who fall ill can immediately seek treatment at medical facilities covered by their rights at no cost. In emergencies where they cannot access their designated facility, they may receive treatment at the nearest hospital first. Relatives orconcerned partiesmust promptly inform the designated medical facility to arrange transfer and continued expense coverage. For costs incurred before notification, the Social Security Office will cover expenses within the first 72 hours per established guidelines. Insured persons who have paid medical fees in advance can claim reimbursement by submitting documents including the benefit claim form (SSO 2-01), medical certificate, receipts, and a copy of their bank account passbook. The office is committed to supporting insured workers nationwide and urges all units and medical facilities in the system to provide full services.servicesFor more information, contact any Social Security Office or the 24-hour hotline at 1506.