Problems
Extreme heatwaves pose critical challenges to people in Thailand, limiting outdoor activities, increasing their reliance on cooling methods, and even disrupting their daily activities. Simultaneously, changing weather conditions caused by extreme heat waves cause damage to homes and infrastructure and prevent many from accessing essential services. Heatwaves in Thailand– which are made more likely by climate change - present a serious health threat to people in Thailand. Greater exposure to heat waves raises the risk of various health issues such as chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Babies and young children are at the most significant risk of heat-related mortality. Heatwaves threaten vulnerable groups I Thailand - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events in the country. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. The lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour may lead to some passengers' hospitalization. Very high temperatures in Thailand cause damage to road surfaces, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on vehicles, making tyre blowouts more common. High temperatures in Thailand lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible. Thailand faces human-induced climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions and the industrial revolution. Researchers warn that Thailand could become uninhabitable hot by 2070 due to extreme heatwave.
Gallery
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Timelines
2024
April
A wave of scorching weather swept across Thailand, with temperatures exceeding 40.1°C in Bangkok1. The northern province of Lampang recorded the highest temperature of 44.2°C, approaching the record of 44.6°C set in 2016 and 20232. The Thai government reported that at least 30 people died from heat stroke
2023
May
Bangkok reached 41 °C (106 °F), the highest recorded in the city. The next day, there were reports of people fainting due to the extreme heat, including advance voters in the 2023 general election. This included 14 people at Ramkhamhaeng University and three at Chan Kasem Rajabhat University.[51] In the same week, temperatures in the northern and central regions remained above 46 °C (115 °F), increasing power demand.
April
A record-breaking heat wave has affected many Asian countries, including Thailand. Several regional temperature records have been set. The heat wave has caused many deaths due to heat stroke, prompting health warnings and power outages across multiple countries.
2016
April 28
Extreme Heat Sears Southeast Asia With Records; Worst Heat Wave in Thailand in 65 Years. Mae Hong Son recorded the hottest temperature in Thailand, topping out at 112.3 degrees Fahrenheit (44.6 degrees Celcius), according to Christopher Burt, a weather historian with wunderground.com. The previous record was held by Uttaradit, which reached 112.1 degrees Fahrenheit (44.5 degrees Celcius) on April 27, 1960.