Earlier this month, spirits were high as the nation celebrated its first full-fledged Songkran in four years. No fears of Covid-19 or the sweltering heat were going to scare people out of enjoying one of the country's most-cherished holidays.
But with the festival now in the rearview mirror, and strangers no longer splashing each other with ice cold water to keep cool, we're back to relying on air conditioners and staying inside to beat the heat.
Although high temperatures in April and May are nothing new, the extreme heatwave that has gripped the country and region this year is worrying.
Climate experts have predicted this summer will be hotter, drier, and longer due to El Nino and warned future summers could be similar if not worse as climate change impacts intensify.
Last week, Tak logged the country's highest temperature at 45.4C, breaking the previous record of 44.6C set in Mae Hong Son in 2016. On Friday, the Meteorology Department issued an extreme heat warning as the mercury is expected to remain at hazardous levels.
In Bangkok, the "feels like" temperature or the heat index was expected to surge to 54C. The heat index combines the actual temperature and humidity to measure how hot the weather feels to humans. At these temperatures, humans are at extreme risk of heat stroke, especially young children, the elderly, and people with underlying conditions.
People are advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear hats, sunglasses, and loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Prolonged exposure to heat or physical exertion at these high temperatures puts you at risk of heat stroke. If one experiences heat stroke, and treatment is not swift, there is a danger of serious long-term complications and irreversible organ damage.
For those who have the privilege to work from home and stay in air-conditioned rooms, the heat wave is only an inconvenience. But what about labourers who have no option but to work on construction sites when the sun is at its strongest? They are most at risk of dehydration caused by excessive perspiration and heat exhaustion.
The same goes for motosai and delivery drivers who make our lives convenient. A rare report from the Labour Ministry in 2014 found these informal workers often experience dehydration, cramps, and skin rashes. They are not protected under any law or measures designed to protect workers toiling long hours in searing temperatures.
Before tragedy strikes in the form of heat-related deaths, the government needs to take preventative action beyond just issuing advisories.
Perhaps the easiest thing to do is provide easy access to public drinking fountains, swimming pools, and spray pads which can help keep people cool during periods of extreme heat. Indeed, water spraying which the government and City Hall have relied on for its band-aid solution to PM2.5, could be used at this moment.
Another idea proposed by many governments is to set up cooling centres across the city near markets and construction sites where anyone can come in and enjoy conditioning and a drink of cold water. For some, this may be the only time they can enjoy air conditioning as rising electricity costs are putting this essential relief measure out of reach.
In fact, rising energy prices have become a key issue at the coming election, but regardless of who wins and what actions are taken, it won't provide the immediate relief needed now.
In 2020, the Ministry of Public Health developed a National Heat Wave Preparedness Plan which included measures such as educating people, setting up cooling centres, and providing training to healthcare providers on how to recognise and treat heat-related illnesses. Surely, some of the highest temperatures ever recorded warrant enforcing this policy or exploring other ways to allow people to cool down such as increasing green cover to provide shade.
Besides the danger to human health, extreme heat can affect the health of the country too. High temperatures put pressure on agriculture, tourism, and the healthcare sector. In agriculture, the hot sun can bring about a range of problems, such as reduced growth, yields, and quality. When this is coupled with drought, which is no stranger to Thailand, farmers will feel the pinch in income loss and food security will be an issue.
Tourism is also likely to take a hit and extend the "low season" beyond the rainy season as unbearable heat makes it difficult to see the sights or enjoy the beach. Last, but surely not least, heatwaves will put an additional burden on the healthcare system in the form of hospital admissions and costs.
With so many potential dangers, the time is ripe for policymakers to take action on mitigating heat before it's too late. Otherwise, we may once again be scrambling to apply band-aid solutions to grave wounds.
