BANGKOK: Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has warned the public to take extra care during the hot season, saying heatstroke remains a serious health risk that can be fatal, particularly for outdoor workers, older people and other vulnerable groups.
The warning comes as Thailand enters its summer period, which typically runs from late February to mid-May, bringing rising temperatures and a greater risk of heat-related illness.
Dr Montien Kanasawat, director-general of the DDC, said data from the Digital Disease Surveillance system showed there were 182 heat-related illness cases in 2025.
Most patients were male, accounting for 59.3 per cent of cases.
The largest group was people aged 15 to 34, with 78 cases or 42.8 per cent, followed by 29 people aged 60 and over, representing 15.9 per cent.
More than half of the cases involved people working outdoors, including soldiers and general labourers, highlighting the particular risks faced by those exposed to prolonged heat.
Among the reported cases, heat exhaustion was the most common condition, with 62 cases or 34.07 per cent.
This was followed by heat syncope (dizziness or fainting), with 43 cases or 23.63 per cent, and heat cramps, with 26 cases or 14.29 per cent.
Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat-related illness, accounted for 17 cases, or 9.34 per cent of the total.
The DDC also said the Epidemiology Division’s surveillance system recorded 21 heat-related deaths in 2025.
Of the total, 18 were men and three were women, aged between 27 and 79, with an average age of 51. Around 28.5 per cent were labourers.
Deaths were reported in 16 provinces, with Udon Thani recording the highest number at five, followed by Nakhon Ratchasima with two.
By region, the North-East recorded the highest share of heat-related deaths at 52 per cent, followed by the Central and Western regions at 24 per cent.
The department said 24 per cent of those who died had underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Alcohol consumption was also identified as an important risk factor, while 67 per cent of the deaths occurred outdoors.
April recorded the highest number of deaths, accounting for 57 per cent of the total, in line with peak temperatures that can reach 41 deg C.
Heat stroke can become life-threatening
The DDC said heat stroke occurs when the body is exposed to very high temperatures, especially above 40 deg C, and can no longer regulate its internal heat.
Warning signs include very high body temperature, hot and flushed skin, lack of sweating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, confusion, weakness and loss of consciousness.
Severe neurological symptoms such as seizures or incoherent speech may also occur.
People showing such symptoms should be taken to hospital immediately or emergency services should be contacted.
As immediate first aid, the patient should be laid flat, tight clothing loosened, and the body cooled with a cold wet cloth applied to the neck, armpits, head and body, while using a fan to help lower the temperature.
If the patient is unconscious, they should be placed on their side to prevent airway obstruction before being rushed to hospital.
High-risk groups urged to take precautions
Dr Anek Mung-Om-Klang, deputy director-general of the DDC, said the risk of heatstroke is higher among older people, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, athletes and people with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
He urged the public to protect themselves during periods of extreme heat by avoiding outdoor activity between 11am and 3pm, resting regularly in shaded areas, and drinking enough clean water before feeling thirsty.
The department also advised people to avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks, wear loose and light-coloured clothing, and never leave children or pets in cars parked in direct sunlight, as temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly within 10 to 20 minutes.
The DDC called on the public to follow weather forecasts closely and seek medical attention immediately if they develop unusual heat-related symptoms or suspect heat stroke, in order to prevent serious complications. - The Nation/ANN
