#Climate

As Thailand faces another relentless hot season, one question sits on nearly every tongue: should you reach for ice-cold water or stick to something closer to room temperature? New research and expert guidance highlighted in a recent Washington Post article reveal that for most people, hydration comes down more to personal comfort than scientific necessity—but there are notable exceptions worth considering (Washington Post).

Staying hydrated is crucial for all, especially in Thailand’s tropical climate, where soaring temperatures and high humidity can trigger rapid fluid loss, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and helps eliminate waste. Thai health authorities align with global recommendations, suggesting that men aim for about 13 cups and women about 9 cups of water and other beverages daily, with increased needs during outdoor activities or periods of intense heat. But what about the temperature of that life-saving glass?

As Thailand endures another scorching season, a common question arises: should we drink ice-cold water or stick to room temperature? New research summarized by health experts suggests that hydration largely depends on personal comfort, with a few exceptions worth noting.

Hydration is essential in Thailand’s tropical climate, where high temperatures and humidity accelerate fluid loss and raise the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water supports body temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and waste elimination. Thai health authorities align with global guidelines, indicating that men should target about 13 cups of fluids daily and women about 9 cups, with higher needs during outdoor work or extreme heat. The big question remains: does water temperature matter?

Tourism is bouncing back, with 2024 marking another peak year for international travel. But the surge brings a familiar challenge: overtourism. Data cited by Deutsche Welle indicate about 1.5 billion people traveled for leisure last year, making it the second-busiest year on record after 2019. This rapid rebound raises urgent questions about sustainability, local wellbeing, and the capacity of communities to absorb large visitor numbers.

Overtourism describes a level of visitation that harms residents’ daily life or degrades the visitor experience. In Europe and Asia alike, popular destinations face crowded streets, strained services, and environmental stress. For Thailand, famous spots such as Phuket, Bangkok, and the Similan Islands embody both the economic benefits of tourism and its potential downsides when volumes rise unchecked.

As international tourism rebounds to near-historic highs in 2024, destinations across the globe, including Thailand, are grappling with the complex challenge of overtourism. Recent insights published by Deutsche Welle reveal that around 1.5 billion people travelled for leisure last year, marking it as the second busiest year for global tourism ever recorded, surpassed only by 2019 (DW). This surge has reignited urgent debates about the sustainability of tourism, with mounting evidence that unchecked visitor volumes can damage local environments, disrupt daily life, and strain vital infrastructures.