in Bangkok, Thais in agony over the episode of extreme heat

With peaks of over 45°C, South-East Asia is facing an episode of very strong heatwave. Extreme temperatures that even populations, although accustomed to extreme heat, are no longer able to tolerate.

A terrible heat wave is hitting Southeast Asia. In Thailand, temperatures reach 44 degrees in several provinces, 50 degrees felt in Bangkok. A wave which particularly affects the most vulnerable, the elderly and especially the poorest, who do not have air conditioning and often work in jobs that require them to stay outside.

In recent days, the heat in the streets of the Thai capital has been such that it has become difficult to leave the house between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those who risk it try to protect themselves with umbrellas, but many don’t really have a choice. Pi Neuk, a motorcycle taxi driver, an essential link in the urban transport chain in Thailand, is 60 years old and he has already felt unwell which took him to hospital a few days ago. However, here he is back with, to face the heat, only the means at hand. “I have a little wet cloth, I put it on my head to avoid feeling uncomfortable again,” he confides.

“With this heat, it’s unbearable to ride more than 500 meters on a motorbike, under the sun. So we only make short trips, we also earn less money, barely 10 or 15 euros per day.”

Pi Neuk, a motorcycle taxi driver

at franceinfo

Pi Neuk therefore changed his working hours. “We start at 5 a.m. We don’t sleep well anyway. Morning is the only time we can work a little.”he testifies.

Thirty deaths since the start of the year

With thirty deaths from sunstroke since January, health authorities are calling for vigilance for the most vulnerable. Somyot is a pharmacist and his shop is always full. “What worries us most is heatstroke, particularly for those with chronic illnesses. There are many people who come to see me distraught, they no longer know how to tolerate the heat. However, the Thais are used to it. in high temperatures, but this is beyond us. Many cannot sleep at night and, as a result, their health deteriorates.reports the pharmacist.

The poorest populations are the most exposed, and their livelihoods are also affected by the heat. In the countryside, heatwaves and drought threaten crops. The reality of climate change is beyond doubt for most Thais. If global warming were to exceed two degrees, Southeast Asia would be among the regions of the world most affected, and could reach the threshold of 220 days of extreme heat per year.