In Bangkok, people protect themselves from the heat with umbrellas.picture: ap
April 21, 2026, 10:35April 21, 2026, 10:35
For almost three weeks, large parts of Thailand have been groaning under extreme heat with dangerous temperatures sometimes exceeding 50 degrees. The capital Bangkok is particularly badly affected.
In response, the city administration has set up more than 300 free cooling centers to offer protection from the pollution. Because staying outdoors is becoming increasingly unbearable.
A man leaves a cooling center in Bangkok.image: x.com
Since April 1st, the so-called heat index has been consistently in the critical range of 42 to almost 52 degrees Celsius, reported the Bangkok Post newspaper, citing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The heat index (HI) is a measure to describe the actually felt temperature, taking into account the air temperature and humidity. Although April is traditionally considered the hottest month in Thailand, temperatures have risen significantly in recent years.
Warning of dizziness and cramps
For many people, spending time outdoors is increasingly becoming a serious health risk. Authorities strongly advise avoiding direct sunlight and paying attention to warning signs such as dizziness, fatigue or heat cramps – especially during the hottest hours of the day, midday and afternoon.
The network of cooling centers includes hundreds of air-conditioned facilities – including libraries, health centers, schools and administrative buildings. It is complemented by numerous shady outdoor areas.
Tourists cool off under a sprinkler.Image: keystone
Who are the cooling centers intended for?
The aim is for all residents to be able to find such a refuge as quickly as possible – especially in residential areas without their own air conditioning systems. “We want to ensure that low-income residents in particular can reach a cooling center within 15 minutes,” said Pornphrom Vikitsreth, an adviser to the local governor.
The response has been great: tens of thousands of visitors were counted in the first few weeks alone. Many people use the centers not only to cool down, but also to rest, work or study. Tourists and higher-income Thais, on the other hand, usually cool off in air-conditioned restaurants or one of the many shopping centers. (pre/sda)