Especially in the north and central regions of the country, including the capital Bangkok, temperatures of more than 40 degrees have been measured in the shade for days. Even at night the temperatures hardly fall below the 30 degree mark.
The media urged people to stay in cooled indoor spaces, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. “The Ministry of Health urges the public to stay at home and avoid outdoor activities due to the risk of heat stroke,” the Pattaya Mail newspaper wrote on Wednesday. On the streets, numerous people sought protection from the sun’s rays under umbrellas, while others tried to get relief with mini fans and fans. In some tourist hotspots such as the temple complexes in the former capital Ayutthaya, visitors were equipped with special UV umbrellas that offer special protection.
Unusually hot
It has been unusually hot in many parts of the country since March. The weather office warned weeks ago that this summer, which began in Thailand at the end of February, temperatures might be up to two degrees higher than normal. Experts explained that the heat index – the perceived temperature – might at times exceed the dreaded 50 degree mark. According to scientists, countries in Southeast Asia in particular are at risk of longer and longer heat waves in the future due to climate change.
