Bangkok braces for extreme heat, heatstroke risk

2026-02-26 - 07:14

BANGKOK — 26 February 2026, The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is stepping up measures to protect residents from extreme heat amid fears of rising heatstroke cases, officials said on Thursday. Speaking at the Medical Service Department, Kriengkrai Tangjitrmanisakda, director of the department, outlined proactive steps to raise public awareness and provide guidance on health and hygiene during the hot season. He said the department is monitoring weather conditions and temperature changes that could affect public health, while issuing warnings, particularly to at-risk and vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with underlying conditions. Authorities have also set medical and public health guidelines to reduce the impact of extreme heat, prepared emergency medical operation centres and launched public campaigns on how to stay healthy during the summer. Official warns of rising heatstroke risk due to the heat Extreme heat can lead to dangerous health conditions, especially heatstroke. Authorities recommend limiting intense outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and, if possible, scheduling time outside for early morning or near sunset. People should stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Anyone who needs to be outdoors is advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and protect themselves from the sun with hats or umbrellas. Symptoms of heatstroke may include a body temperature exceeding 40–41°C, a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, intense thirst, unsteadiness, muscle cramps, fatigue, rapid breathing, palpitations, a fast pulse, low blood pressure and fainting. What to do if you find someone suffering heatstroke If someone shows signs of heatstroke, act immediately — it can become life-threatening within minutes. Move the person out of direct sunlight and into a shaded or air-conditioned area. Lay them flat, raise their legs slightly and loosen or remove excess clothing to help release body heat. Begin cooling the body right away. Apply cold compresses or ice packs to areas where large blood vessels run close to the skin — the neck, armpits and groin are especially effective. If ice is not available, use a damp cloth, spray water on the skin and create airflow with a fan to speed up evaporation. Do not wait to seek medical help. Call the emergency medical service hotline 1669 immediately, or contact tourist Police hotline at 1155, where operators are trained to speak English and other languages and can assist with coordinating medical help. If the person becomes unconscious and is not breathing, start CPR at once and continue until help arrives. If they are breathing but unresponsive, keep them in a shaded position, continue cooling efforts and monitor their breathing closely while waiting for emergency responders. The department has also prepared its Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) to respond to heat-related incidents and is promoting information on heatstroke through its Facebook and TikTok pages. Health advice is available around-the-clock via its hotline 1646. Other diseases to look out for in the summer Duangporn Pinjasekikul, director of the Health Department, said her agency is campaigning to educate the public on preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases linked to extreme heat and high temperatures. Particular concern is focused on young children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, including diarrhoea, cholera, food poisoning, skin allergies in children and heatstroke. Health service centres throughout the capital have been directed to stock adequate drinking water, clean water, essential medicines, medical supplies and emergency response systems to provide full support for vulnerable groups. These steps are part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s 2026 emergency medical and public health action plan to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.