A total of 38 people have died of heatstroke this year and most deaths occurred in the Northeast of Thailand, the Heath Department said on Sunday (May 5).

Deputy director-general of the Health Department Dr Atthapol Kaewsamrit said that many parts of Thailand were experiencing extreme hot weather since February 22, resulting in 38 deaths caused by heatstroke.

Atthapol said most heatstroke deaths happened in the Northeast, followed by the central and eastern regions and most of the deaths happened to labourers working outdoors, the elderly, people with co-morbidities and regular heavy drinkers.

Atthapol said the heatwave would continue to hit 12 provinces of Yala, Phuket, Krabi, Trat, Chon Buri, Pattani, Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Samut Prakan and Bangkok until today.

He said people should avoid long exposure to direct sunlight and avoid drinking alcohol. Those in provinces hit by a heatwave were advised to wear light clothes and drink a lot of water.

Source: Borneo Bulletin

BDST: 1353 HRS, MAY 06, 2024
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