As Thailand and much of the world endure record-breaking temperatures, schools are intensifying efforts to shield student athletes from the dangerous effects of extreme heat—a challenge that has become a focal point in the start of new school terms and sports seasons. Recent research and policies reflect mounting concern over the health and safety of young athletes, particularly as climate change accelerates the incidence and intensity of heatwaves. The latest wave of research and new protocols adopted in 2025 underline an urgent reality: heat-related illnesses among student athletes are on the rise and demand robust preventive measures both internationally and within Thailand (local3news.com).
The issue is significant for Thai readers as Thailand’s hot season consistently brings temperatures well above 35°C, placing considerable stress on children engaging in outdoor sports. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 9,000 student athletes in the United States alone require medical treatment for heat-related illnesses each year—a trend mirrored in Asian countries like Japan and increasingly observed in Thailand (WREG.com, ISB Guidelines PDF). In recent summers, Thai authorities and educational institutions have reported a surge in heatstroke cases during school sport activities, prompting much-needed scrutiny and intervention.
Key facts reveal a multi-faceted approach as schools globally and locally adapt to hotter climates. Core strategies documented in research from 2024–2025 include shifting practice schedules to cooler morning or evening hours, systematically monitoring environmental conditions, and mandating frequent hydration breaks at intervals as short as 15–20 minutes (Red Cross, Ohio University). Institutions like International School Bangkok have formalized protocols using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring—a system that measures not just ambient temperature, but the combined effects of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and sunlight, offering a much more accurate risk assessment than standard thermometers (ISB Heat Management Guidelines).
To support these efforts, an increasing number of schools are investing in technology such as handheld WBGT devices, as used in Nebraska schools, or digital alert systems that notify coaches when conditions approach dangerous thresholds (MSN.com). Practices are now routinely canceled or moved indoors when WBGT readings spike. In some cases, elementary and younger athletes have all outdoor activities suspended during heat advisories, while older students are closely monitored and required to wear appropriate clothing designed for ventilation and rapid moisture wicking (ThaiJO Journal).
Expert perspectives reinforce the paramount need for education. As noted by researchers in the Journal of Sports Science and Health, teachers, coaches, and school nurses must be thoroughly trained to identify early signs of heat exhaustion: confusion, headache, dizziness, and vomiting are common warning signs. An ER physician interviewed in Arizona summarized the priority as “respecting the heat—train smart, hydrate, and listen to your body,” recommending all coaches are equipped not only to intervene with water or ice, but also to call emergency services when symptoms escalate (KJZZ Arizona).
In Thailand, policy adjustments and cultural practices are being blended to keep children safe. The Ministry of Education has advised schools to stagger practice times and modify physical education curricula during the hot season. For example, traditional open-air assemblies have been shortened, and schools in Bangkok and the Northeast deploy shaded tents and misting fans near sports fields. Buddhist notions of “moderation” (ความพอดี) are echoed by educational leaders, who encourage teachers to foster a balance between the value of sports participation and the health limitations imposed by the climate.
Historically, Thailand’s tropical climate has always shaped local sporting routines, but rising global temperatures and urban development have made urban “heat islands” particularly dangerous. Many older Thai schools were constructed without adequate shade or ventilation, a legacy now being addressed with school renovations or the planting of shade trees. In the past, endurance and tolerance for heat were valorized, but contemporary policy is shifting toward proactive health protection, with public messaging focusing on the dangers of “pushing through” discomfort.
Looking ahead, future developments will likely see further integration of algorithm-based alert systems, greater student involvement in self-monitoring with wearable technologies, and widespread curriculum updates on climate adaptation. In Japan, researchers propose lowering the heat-safety thresholds for school sports, anticipating even hotter summers, a policy that may be adopted in Thailand in the years to come (PubMed abstract). Moreover, international collaboration through ASEAN education networks could standardize best practices, improving risk forecasting and emergency response training across the region.
For Thai families and educators, the actionable recommendations are clear: insist on practical heat management protocols, communicate with school officials about safety guidelines, and encourage children to report any discomfort immediately. Parents should pack extra water for their children, provide breathable clothing, and review heat illness warning signs as part of standard health education at home. On a broader scale, communities should advocate for better infrastructure in schools—such as shaded play areas and reliable drinking water stations—and support funding for up-to-date heat monitoring equipment and staff training.
As Thailand and its neighbors continue to face unprecedented heatwaves, keeping student athletes safe is no longer just a seasonal concern but an urgent, year-round responsibility. Ongoing research and vigilant application of evidence-based protocols will be key to safeguarding the health, safety, and development of the next generation of Thai athletes.
Sources:
- How schools are keeping student athletes safe from extreme heat (Local3News)
- ISB Heat Management Guidelines (PDF)
- Journal of Sports Science and Health - ThaiJO
- Red Cross: Protect Student Athletes During Outdoor Workouts
- OHIO University News: Staying Safe in the Heat
- KJZZ: ER Doctor on Heat Precautions
- WREG News: Schools Focus on Athlete Safety
- MSN: Nebraska Schools Use WBGT