Extreme heatwave

More than 40 degrees in the shade measured in Thailand

A woman with a fan in Thailand(Bild: AFP)

Large parts of Thailand are currently suffering from an extreme heatwave. Especially in the north and central regions, temperatures of more than 40 degrees in the shade have been measured at times for days. Even at night, the values hardly drop below the 30 degree mark.

People have been asked to stay indoors in cool rooms, especially between 11 am and 3 pm. "The Ministry of Health is urging the public to stay at home and avoid outdoor activities due to the risk of heatstroke," wrote the Pattaya Mail newspaper on Wednesday. 

Summer in Thailand began at the end of February.(Bild: AFP)

Some people rely on mini-fans.(Bild: AFP)

On the streets, many people sought shelter from the sun's rays under umbrellas. Others relied on mini fans and fans. At some tourist hotspots, such as the temples in the former capital Ayutthaya, visitors were equipped with special UV umbrellas that offer extra protection.

Summer since February
It has been unusually hot in many parts of Thailand since March. The weather bureau warned that this summer, which began in Thailand at the end of February, temperatures could be up to two degrees higher than normal. The perceived temperature could exceed the dreaded 50-degree mark at times (see video above). Countries in Southeast Asia in particular are struggling with increasingly long heatwaves.