Heat waves are intensifying, putting outdoor workers and those in inadequately cooled spaces at rising risk. New research raises urgent questions about when it becomes too dangerous to work, calling for stronger protections, better awareness, and practical measures tailored to Thai realities.
Around the world, extreme heat is a daily hazard for millions, including many in Thailand’s agriculture, construction, markets, and informal sectors. In July 2025, heat waves disrupted activities from Europe to Asia, with Greece restricting outdoor work and closing sites as temperatures climbed above 40°C. These events underscore the immediacy of heat risk for Thai workers who endure sun exposure with limited cooling and protective measures. Thailand’s economy relies heavily on outdoor labor and informal employment, making heat safety a national priority.
For Thai readers, global health authorities warn that without decisive protection, heat-related illnesses and deaths will rise. Thailand’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, supported by international partners, is exploring tech-enabled and policy-based approaches to safeguard workers. The goal is to blend innovation with robust labor protections.
Heat risk is often measured by the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which combines temperature, humidity, wind, and sun exposure. Typically, WBGT values in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius indicate dangerous conditions. When WBGT exceeds about 32°C, many outdoor tasks should pause, especially under direct sun. Thai summers routinely push conditions beyond these thresholds, making timely rests, shade, and hydration essential.
Policy responses vary worldwide. Some European nations have established clear safe-work limits and mandatory breaks, shade, and hydration during high heat. In Thailand, progress includes safety training, guidelines, and digital heat-monitoring tools highlighted by international organizations and local authorities. Yet gaps remain, particularly for informal workers who lack insurance, job security, and enforceable cooling measures.
Health impacts are clear: heat stress can cause cramps, fatigue, dizziness, heat exhaustion, and, in severe cases, heatstroke. Long-term exposure is linked to chronic kidney disease and other serious conditions. Heat also raises the risk of workplace accidents as workers become dehydrated or lose focus.
Early recognition of symptoms is vital. Warning signs include heavy sweating, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion, and muscle cramps. If confusion or collapse occurs, seek urgent medical help and move the person to a cooler area.
Addressing the issue requires more than individual precautions. Experts advocate for multi-layered policy action, including enforceable heat-safety standards for all worker categories, shaded rest areas, hydration provisions, cooling breaks, and stronger early-warning systems. Integrating heat safety into national climate resilience plans is essential. Informal and gig workers must be included in protections to ensure coverage beyond formal employment.
Thai industry voices emphasize the vulnerability of migrant workers and low-income Thais who may feel compelled to work despite heat danger. The push is for broader labor protections that cover rural, migrant, and platform-based workers, ensuring access to health care and income support when heat interrupts work.
Practical steps for immediate action include:
- Daily WBGT monitoring and adjusting outdoor work schedules accordingly.
- Shifting strenuous tasks to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
- Rotating, shaded rest breaks with ready access to drinking water and oral rehydration solutions.
- Using breathable PPE and heat-appropriate uniforms to reduce heat load.
- Educating workers and families on heat illness signs and first aid in multiple languages common among Thai workers.
- Encouraging employers to adopt digital heat-monitoring and restructured schedules that prioritize health during extreme heat.
Thai culture supports collective action. Community organizations, religious groups, and local leaders can help educate communities, coordinate relief such as water distribution, and establish temporary shelters during heat waves. These local efforts complement national policy and help reach workers in informal settlements and rural areas.
Looking ahead, climate change, rapid urbanization, and the growth of gig work will continue to raise heat risks unless reforms keep pace. International experts advocate inclusive protections and strong enforcement to prevent productivity losses and protect public health. Thailand’s path forward involves combining science, policymaking, and community action to safeguard workers in a warming world.
What readers can do:
- Learn to recognize heat illness signs and seek help promptly.
- Support and advocate for enforceable heat-safety rules at workplaces.
- Encourage employers to implement heat monitoring, safer scheduling, and ready access to hydration and cooling.
- Help extend protections to informal and gig workers through policy reform and community programs.
Data and guidance come from the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization, complemented by Thailand’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare and analyses from Thai media and international labor authorities. Evidence is integrated from global heat exposure assessments, national policy discussions, and local workplace health initiatives.