Severe heat wave predicted for Thailand, starting around April 1

[Gaybutton]

With this heat wave coming, now would be a good time to have your air conditioners serviced.
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Thailand braces for intense heat with temperatures soaring

by Nattapong Westwood

February 20, 2024

Thailand is bracing for a severe heatwave, with weather maps turning a deep red, verging on black, indicating extreme temperatures are on the way. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts this year to be hotter by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the previous year. Some areas may experience highs of up to 44.5 degrees Celsius.

The five provinces expected to be hardest hit are Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, and Udon Thani.

A recent release from the Thai Weather Forecasting page highlighted weather conditions for the week of February 19 to February 25, specifically at 1pm each day. The charts showed a consistent trend into the red to black zones, symbolising intense heat. During such hot conditions, the public is advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours and to stay hydrated, reported KhaoSod.

While many are already feeling the increased heat, this transition period at the end of the cool season typically brings variable weather, including possible rainfall in some regions next week.

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather ... es-soaring
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Thai Meteorological Department Forecasts Extreme Summer Heatwave

By Goongnang Suksawat

February 20, 2024

The Thai Meteorological Department has announced that summer is expected to commence towards the end of this month, with an extreme heatwave predicted for March and April. Temperatures in some provinces could soar to 43-45°C (109°F - 114°F), an increase of 1-2°C compared to last year’s records.

Starting this week, temperatures in the upper regions of Thailand are set to rise, although the mountainous areas in the North and Northeast may still experience cooler conditions. The lower North, Northeast, Central Plain, including Greater Bangkok, and the East are anticipated to gradually accumulate heat, signaling the official start of the summer season by the end of February.

Daily temperatures this week could peak at 35-38°C around 4 pm, with occasional relief expected only during rainy days. The department warned that this year’s summer weather would be particularly hot, with extreme temperatures anticipated in many areas during the peak months of March and April.

https://tpnnational.com/2024/02/20/thai ... -heatwave/

[Gaybutton]

Folks, that heat wave is now happening. The north of Thailand is getting the worst of it, but Bangkok and Pattaya are also getting abnormally high temperatures. Plus, in Pattaya there is no rain predicted in the next 10 day forecast.

For those of us getting on in years, you don't want to be outside in this kind of heat any more than necessary. You don't need me to tell you how dangerous that can be.

If you go to the beach, be very careful about overexposure to the sun. This kind of heat, clear skies, and Thailand's proximity to the equator can quickly result in severe sunburn and sun poisoning even with use of sunscreen. You don't want your holiday ruined by ending up in a hospital.

If you are a resident, this might be a good time to get your air conditioner serviced.

Be careful out there.

See also: "Headline News" for April 2, 48 seconds into the video. https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic ... 14#p113114

[Gaybutton]

I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know, but if you are in Thailand please be very careful in this kind of heat - and the prediction is it's going to get even hotter for most of this month. And the air pollution doesn't help anything either. The further north you go, the worse it gets. There already has been hospitalization and even death reports attributed to the severe air pollution in the north.

But remember - there is no climate change. Just ask Trump . . .
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Northern Thailand Confronting Health Issue, with Chiang Mai and Lampang High Mortality Rates from Lung Cancer Linked to PM2.5

By Goongnang Suksawat

7 April, 2024

Northern Thailand is confronting a critical public health issue, with Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces experiencing alarmingly high mortality rates from lung cancer linked to the pervasive presence of PM2.5 particles in the air. According to Assoc Prof Chalerm Liewsisakul of Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine, the last decade has seen a notable deterioration in air quality in the region, correlating with an increase in lung disease cases.

Studies indicate a rapid rise in lung cancer deaths in the North, from 20.3 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 30.7 in 2019. This worrying trend highlights the critical need for immediate action to tackle air pollution and its detrimental health effects, particularly in Chiang Mai and Lampang. The data further reveals a higher incidence of lung cancer among the youth in these areas, suggesting a direct link to prolonged exposure to PM2.5 particles.

Research focusing on emphysema patients in Chiang Dao, a locality known for high PM2.5 levels, shows that exposure leads to cellular changes, hinting at the potential for genetic mutations and cancer development. The adverse health impacts of PM2.5 pollution are further evidenced by a spike in respiratory problems, with serious conditions like emphysema, coronary heart disease, and strokes becoming more common during high pollution periods.

An analysis by the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University also found a direct correlation between PM2.5 levels and mortality rates, with a 1.6% increase in deaths for every ten micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) rise in PM2.5. The faculty also confirmed the death of one of its well-known lecturers, attributing her lung cancer to PM2.5 exposure.

Meanwhile, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital reported that over 30,000 patients sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses early this year, doubling last year’s figures.

The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.

https://tpnnational.com/2024/04/07/nort ... -to-pm2-5/

[Dodger]

STAY HYDRATED

Jai and I just arrived in Buriram for our routine Songkran visit with the family and the weather is scorching at 105F (41C).

I'm heading to 7/11 this morning to pick up a box of electrolyte sachets and a dozen bottles of Gatorade. Jai will pick up a few watermelons at the market which are also an excellent source of electrolytes (actually the best).

I'll be wearing a long-sleeve shirt and large brimmed hat when going outdoors regardless of how dumb it looks, and limit my exposure to the sun as much as possible. When I go swimming I'll use a good sunscreen and not stay at the pool as long as I normally would.

The effects of Dehydration is a lot worse for seniors than it is for young people.

[Gaybutton]

Unfortunately, especially in the north, it's not just the heat. I'm wondering if even the best masks are enough to negate the risks. The only semi-good news is neither Bangkok nor Pattaya are on the high risk list in the second article.
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Air Pollution Spurs Lung Cancer Spike in Northern Thailand

by Krajangwit Johjit, NNT

March 8, 2024

Northern Thailand is confronting a critical public health issue, with Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces experiencing alarmingly high mortality rates from lung cancer linked to the pervasive presence of PM2.5 particles in the air.

According to Assoc Prof Chalerm Liewsisakul of Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Medicine, the last decade has seen a notable deterioration in air quality in the region, correlating with an increase in lung disease cases.

Studies indicate a rapid rise in lung cancer deaths in the North, from 20.3 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 30.7 in 2019. This worrying trend highlights the critical need for immediate action to tackle air pollution and its detrimental health effects, particularly in Chiang Mai and Lampang. The data further reveals a higher incidence of lung cancer among the youth in these areas, suggesting a direct link to prolonged exposure to PM2.5 particles.

Research focusing on emphysema patients in Chiang Dao, a locality known for high PM2.5 levels, shows that exposure leads to cellular changes, hinting at the potential for genetic mutations and cancer development. The adverse health impacts of PM2.5 pollution are further evidenced by a spike in respiratory problems, with serious conditions like emphysema, coronary heart disease, and strokes becoming more common during high pollution periods.

An analysis by the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University also found a direct correlation between PM2.5 levels and mortality rates, with a 1.6% increase in deaths for every ten micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) rise in PM2.5. The faculty also confirmed the death of Prof Rawiwan Olarnratmanee, attributing her lung cancer to PM2.5 exposure.

Meanwhile, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital reported that over 30,000 patients sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses early this year, doubling last year's figures.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1324405-air- ... -thailand/
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Hazardous smog blankets 37 provinces

North remains worst affected region with seriously harmful dust levels

by Online reporters and Panumet Tanraksa

April 8, 2024

Hazardously thick smog shrouded 37 of the 77 provinces on Monday morning, mostly in the North where Chiang Rai residents suffered under the worst level of PM2.5 dust.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 11am on Monday that seven northern provinces were facing red (seriously harmful) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5), ranging from 80.5 to 107.5 microgrammes per cubic metre of air over the past 24 hours. The government-set safe threshold is 37.5µg/m³.

The worst level, 107.5, was measured in Chiang Rai, followed by 103.8 in Chiang Mai, 92.8 in Phayao, 87.8 in Mae Hong Son, 82.9 in Nan, 80.6 in Lamphun and 80.5 in Lampang.

Orange (initially unsafe) levels of PM2.5 were detected in 30 other provinces, mostly in the Northeast. They ranged from 37.9 to 72.4µg/m³.

The provinces were, in descending order, Loei, Tak, Phrae, Uttaradit, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchabun, Amnat Charoen, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Uthai Thani, Yasothon, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Kanchanaburi and Phichit.

Provinces in the lower Central Plains, the East and the South had moderate and good air quality. Samut Songkhram had the best air quality with 15.0µg/m³ of PM2.5, followed by Narathiwat with 15.4µg/m³.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wrote on social media on Monday that the government was doing its best to control smog and help affected people but burning continued inside the country and nearby.

Chiang Mai governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn told reporters on Monday that local administrative organisations and hospitals would have clean air rooms ready for local residents, and face masks.

The Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University said PM2.5 pollution was a major factor in the rising incidence of lung cancer, and was seriously affecting respiratory and cardiovascular patients. Over the past two weeks, the number of patients with nose bleeding, eye irritation, asthma and rashes had increased.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -provinces
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TDRI urges govt to set up independent agency with separate funding to tackle PM2.5

by THE NATION

April 8, 2024

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) believes an agency that uses artificial intelligence and big data is needed to effectively tackle the yearly scourge of PM2.5 pollution in the North.

The policy think tank recently published an article advising the government to set up a national PM2.5 policy committee and a management centre that can coordinate efforts of relevant government agencies to tackle PM2.5 pollution that has been troubling the North for years.

PM2.5 is fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in the air and exposure to it has been associated with premature mortality, as well as acute lung and heart conditions.

The TDRI said the centre could compile big data related to the PM2.5 pollution, before analysing it and working out solutions from past situations and obstacles.

The centre should also make available real-time information on all hotspots and burning areas, so government agencies can prepare for forest fires in advance and tackle them effectively, the TDRI said.

TDRI also proposed that the new body be granted separate funds to manage the pollution, as funds earmarked in the national budget are not enough for tackling forest fires.

The TRDI article said a new body that is solely devoted to tackling pollution and forest fires is needed because the government has been trying but failing to prevent forest fires, which have become the major reason behind the high levels of PM2.5 in the North of Thailand.

The institute also noted that forest fires have been occurring in the same areas over the past 10 years, namely:

• 460,000-rai Sri Nan National Park

• 460,000-rai Sri Nakharind Dam National Park

• 370,000-rai Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary

• 360,000-rai Salween National Park

The TDRI also noted that maize farmers covering some 1.42 million rai in the North set fire to their harvest waste every year.

Hence, it said, a new committee and centre were needed to effectively fight against PM2.5 pollution. It also proposed the following:

• Accelerating legal amendments

The TDRI said the government should speed up the amendment of related laws so it could be armed with legal tools to fight air pollution. The law would allow the government to use price measures and subsidies to encourage farmers to stop burning their harvest waste.

• Sandbox in upper North

TDRI said the government could set up a PM2.5 sandbox in the North and other provinces that are troubled by the same pool of pollution. It said the sandbox could be managed through a special law, and the body managing the sandbox should be granted full authority by the government.

• Compiling big data

The government should gather and compile big data on the PM2.5 situation, so government agencies can use this data to plan measures to fight air pollution.

• Integrating budget

Funds to fight PM2.5 allocated to central and local government agencies should be integrated for better efficiency and results.

• Cooperation from neighbouring countries

The government should seek cooperation from neighbouring countries to crack down on farm burning, though it should be careful not to violate the World Trade Organisation’s rules if it seeks to ban imports from farms blamed for transborder pollution.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40037073

[Jun]

Unfortunately, especially in the north, it's not just the heat. I'm wondering if even the best masks are enough to negate the risks. The only semi-good news is neither Bangkok nor Pattaya are on the high risk list in the second article.
Air Pollution Spurs Lung Cancer Spike in Northern Thailand

The pollution probably belongs in the existing separate threads for such topics.
It is a separate matter from heatwaves, since it's largely self inflicted by Thais in Thailand and could be fixed by the Thais, if they had any interest in doing so.

The best masks should mitigate PM2.5 risks, since they are specified to remove 95% or 99% of particles above 0.3 microns.

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) believes an agency that uses artificial intelligence and big data is needed to effectively tackle the yearly scourge of PM2.5 pollution in the North.

Artificial intelligence will make no difference at all and is is just a smokescreen
They ought to start with some ACTION, such as legislation to outlaw the obvious sources of pollution. Then send in the army to enforce it, if the police are too corrupt to enforce the law properly.

Why they're focussing on the north is also a mystery. The air quality in Bangkok is frequently terrible. I've also seen localised readings of over 100 µg/m³ in Pattaya.

[Gaybutton]

The best masks should mitigate PM2.5 risks

You used one of my favorite words - should. I, for one, will not be going to Chiang Mai any time soon to find out . . .

Also, maybe masks really do work well when outdoors. Are you going to wear a mask in your hotel room? Are you going to sleep with a mask on? Are you going to wear a mask in restaurants? If you have a "guest" in your room, are you going to remain masked? Not me.

Besides, inhaling the particles is not the only problem. I also don't need any of it getting in my eyes. I'm not interested in a need to walk around in both a mask and goggles. Somehow that just might put a slight damper on my enjoyment of a holiday there. And it's a little late in life to have to learn to read Braille.

[Jun]

I, for one, will not be going to Chiang Mai any time soon to find out . . .

When I was in Pattaya last month, the PM2.5 concentration was also far higher than the WHO safe limit for much of the time.

Also, maybe masks really do work well when outdoors. Are you going to wear a mask in your hotel room? Are you going to sleep with a mask on? Are you going to wear a mask in restaurants? If you have a "guest" in your room, are you going to remain masked? Not me.

Well, anyone who cares about their health sufficiently to wear a mask outside for PM2.5 protection should logically consider filtration at home.

For residents it's really easy. Fit PM2.5 filters to your aircon and buy one or two of those big free standing filters.

For tourists, it's more difficult. I did manage to fit a PM2.5 filter to my aircon units during my last month in Pattaya, but it's more difficult in some hotels. The filter was very effective, reducing PM2.5 levels in my residence by 75% or more.

[Gaybutton]

I did manage to fit a PM2.5 filter to my aircon units during my last month in Pattaya, but it's more difficult in some hotels. The filter was very effective, reducing PM2.5 levels in my residence by 75% or more.

Where did you buy it? I have no idea where to get them or even what they look like.
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Chiang Mai declares more districts as disaster zones amid wildfires

By Mitch Connor

April 8, 2024

Wildfires continue to blaze through Chiang Mai, leading the local authority yesterday to declare three additional districts as disaster zones. These districts, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, and Chai Prakarn, have joined Fang and Phrao districts, which were declared disaster areas on April 4. The provincial governor has cited the fatigue of initial firefighters and soldiers as a significant obstacle in suppressing the fires.

Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn expressed the need for more firefighters in Chiang Mai and hoped that the declaration of additional disaster zones would enable government agencies to utilise their budgets to combat the fires.

Despite the severe air pollution caused by the wildfires, the governor has been unable to declare Chiang Mai an emergency assistance zone due to the absence of Ministry of Finance regulations permitting the release of funds for such situations.

The Pollution Control Department’s Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation yesterday, April 7, reported that PM2.5 levels in 36 northern provinces, including Chiang Mai, have surpassed the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³). The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) identified nine provinces with levels ranging between 78.9 and 126.1 µg/m³.

Chiang Mai topped the list with a reading of 126.1 µg/m³, followed by Chiang Rai (113.3 µg/m³), Phayao (108 µg/m³), Nan (104.5 µg/m³) and Mae Hong Son (104 µg/m³).

In a concerning development, IQAir rated Chiang Mai as having the world’s worst air quality when the level reached 190 µg/m³ at 2.10pm. GISTDA also reported 1,279 hot spots in the North, including 100 in rice and cornfields.

Although the situation remains dire, Dr Piamlap Saengsayan, head of the pulmonary medicine department of the Central Chest Institute of Thailand, reassured the public yesterday that there is no definitive evidence linking PM2.5 to lung cancer.

However, he acknowledged that prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution could lead to cancer in any part of the body.

This is due to the body’s natural response to PM2.5 particles, which involves the production of free radicals that react with cells, causing inflammation, which can lead to cancer.

Also, Dr Piamlap explained further that there is no clear evidence that PM2.5 is the main cause of lung cancer. However, studies have shown that cells in any part of the body can become cancerous if exposed to high levels of pollution for a long time.

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/ch ... -wildfires
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Clean-air centres open in Chiang Mai to assist haze victims

by Panumate Tanraksa

April 9, 2024

Chiang Mai is opening clean-air facilities to aid people endangered by the intensifying fine dust pollution in the northern province.

This comes as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the government was not taking the severe haze problem ravaging much of the North, especially Chiang Mai, lightly.

He said the government was doing everything in its power and is taking a multi-faceted approach to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

"I'm well aware of the plight people are facing from the PM2.5 pollution," Mr Srettha said via social media.

"I've asked the Public Health Ministry and the Interior Ministry to manage the situation and offer the necessary support in the impacted localities," he said.

On Monday, Chiang Mai governor Nirat Phongsitthithawon held a press conference at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital to explain public health measures.

The governor said public health units in Chiang Mai are dispatching mobile medical teams to disseminate health advisories and provide check-up services for residents in vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those suffering chronic illnesses.

Mr Nirat said the local administrative organisations (LAOs) have been told to designate at least three clean air rooms per LAO.

Where the extent of haze pollution reaches an intense level and lingers for five days or longer, clean air rooms must be set up in communities where there is a large population of people from vulnerable groups. Also, clean air rooms must be established at hospitals and health promotion clinics.

Mr Nirat said authorities in Chiang Mai are not ignoring the haze problem, although he admitted there is a lack of communication between agencies over how to handle the situation.

The province's public health office is working with service networks in all sectors and the LAOs to deliver medical care to those considered part of the vulnerable group, which numbers around 420,000 individuals.

These individuals suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and heart or vascular diseases.

Meanwhile, Mr Srettha said he has also imposed measures to detect the residents' risks of developing lung cancer.

He added that the government has employed all measures to prevent wildfires and burning activities in forests, including deploying royal rain-making aircraft and offering rewards to anyone who can catch culprits responsible for burning the forests.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ze-victims

[Gaybutton]

Heat stroke warning for Songkran

April 9, 2024

The Public Health Ministry has warned of the risk of heat stroke during the Songkran festival, with extremely hot weather forecast to continue.

Temperatures in many areas were exceeding 40°C, which brought an increased risk of heat stroke, health permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong said on Tuesday.

People's bodies could not readily adapt to such extremes. Their body temperature could keep rising and organs stop functioning, and people could die, Dr Opas said.

Symptoms to watch for included red skin, high body temperature, a fast pulse, lack of sweat despite the heat, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and, finally, unconsciousness. Those most at risk were elderly people, young children, people with chronic diseases and people working or exercising outdoors for a long period, he said.

"In the lead-up to the Songkran festival, there are activities and parades in many areas. Please take precautions and protect yourselves. Wear pale-coloured clothing of fine fabric that breathes. Spend your time in the shade and drink more water and do it more frequently, not wait until you feel thirsty," he said.

Those who exercise or whose work is labour-intensive should drink two to four glasses of water per hour, Dr Opas said.

Vulnerable people should avoid being in strong sunlight and spend their time in well-ventilated rooms, he said.

He also warned that consuming drinks with high caffeine or sugar content, or alcohol, could cause dehydration, and add to the risk.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... r-songkran