The Deputy Government Spokesperson warns that this year's "heat index" is expected to be higher than last year, reaching dangerous risk levels. She recommends seven methods to prevent heat-related illnesses, noting that 21 people died last year due to heat exposure.
On 18 March 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the current extreme heat in Thailand is affecting the health and quality of life of the population. The Meteorological Department is monitoring the Heat Index, which reflects the temperature the body actually feels—known as "feel like" temperature—and is used to indicate the risk level of heat impact on the body. This index is calculated from both temperature and relative humidity, differing from the general temperature measurement that only records the heat or coldness of the air. Last year, Thailand recorded a maximum heat index of 59.5 degrees Celsius and 21 deaths due to heat-related causes.
For 2026, the heat situation is expected to be more severe than last year, with the heat index forecasted to reach warning levels (33.0 – 41.9 °C) up to very dangerous levels (equal to or exceeding 52.0 °C) during April and May, especially in the Northern, Northeastern, and Central regions. This may lead to heat-related illnesses such as rashes, cramps, heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and heatstroke—the most severe condition that can be fatal.
The government advises the public, especially the elderly, young children, pregnant women, chronic patients such as those with heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, outdoor workers, people with obesity, psychiatric patients, and chronic alcoholics, to protect their health from heat dangers by following seven measures: 1) Monitor weather forecasts and heat index values, avoiding outdoor activities during extreme heat, particularly between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; 2) Drink at least 6–8 glasses of clean water daily without waiting to feel thirsty; 3) Avoid alcohol and high-sugar drinks like sweetened beverages and sodas; 4) Wear breathable clothing, hats, and use umbrellas for sun protection; 5) Those taking certain medications, such as antihypertensives, decongestants, diuretics, and psychiatric drugs, should watch for symptoms since these medicines may affect body temperature regulation; 6) People working or exercising outdoors should do so in groups to help monitor for abnormal symptoms; and 7) The elderly should drink water frequently, rest adequately, stay in well-ventilated areas, and avoid being outdoors during extreme heat.
Ms. Airin stated, "If someone shows abnormal symptoms such as hot, red skin, rapid and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, confusion, incoherent speech, lethargy, or loss of consciousness, provide first aid by applying cold, wet cloths or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin to quickly reduce body temperature. Immediately take the person to the hospital or call emergency hotline 1669."
