#Climateadaptation

A dramatic shift in global travel patterns is reshaping the tourism industry as extreme heat and wildfires drive millions of travelers to seek cooler, quieter destinations during traditionally peak summer months. This “coolcation” movement represents more than a temporary trend—it signals a fundamental transformation in how climate change is altering tourist behavior and destination competitiveness worldwide, creating unprecedented opportunities for Thailand to diversify its tourism strategy while addressing climate adaptation challenges.

Tourists are choosing cooler and quieter trips this year. This trend has grown in response to extreme heat and wildfires in popular summer destinations. The shift changes global travel patterns and affects tourism-dependent economies. (CNBC) (CNBC article)

The rise of “coolcations” means people choose temperate climates. They book trips outside peak summer months. They prefer higher latitudes, mountains and lakes. Travel advisors report that climate fears drive many bookings. (CNBC; Virtuoso) (CNBC article) (Virtuoso press release)

A global shift in travel behavior is reshaping the industry as extreme heat and wildfires push travelers toward cooler, quieter destinations during peak summer. This growing “coolcation” trend signals a lasting change in how climate change affects destination appeal, creating a strategic opportunity for Thailand to diversify its tourism portfolio while enhancing climate resilience.

Thailand’s tourism sector, which welcomes tens of millions of international visitors each year, stands to gain from this transformation. By adapting to climate-driven demand, the country can promote sustainable, year-round tourism that supports communities and reduces vulnerability to climate shocks.

Southeast Asia’s dynamic cities are at the forefront of the global push toward sustainability, but a new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) sheds light on daunting obstacles facing city governments as they work to build cleaner, more inclusive, and climate-resilient urban environments. As detailed in the OECD’s latest publication, “Financing Sustainable Cities in Southeast Asia” (OECD), Southeast Asia’s urban population is rising rapidly, placing unprecedented pressure on sanitation, housing, transportation, and climate adaptation measures—yet local authorities struggle to marshal the funding, expertise, and institutional backing needed to deliver ambitious green infrastructure.

Urban centers across Southeast Asia confront an unprecedented challenge as they struggle to finance the green infrastructure necessary for sustainable development and climate resilience. A comprehensive analysis by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reveals that while Southeast Asian cities lead ambitious sustainability initiatives, local governments lack the financial resources, institutional capacity, and policy frameworks needed to transform urban environments at the pace required by growing populations and climate threats. This funding crisis threatens to derail regional progress toward international commitments including the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

A growing funding crisis threatens Southeast Asia’s push toward sustainable, climate-resilient cities. An OECD analysis shows that while regional capitals lead bold sustainability efforts, local governments often lack sufficient resources, institutional capacity, and clear policy frameworks to modernize rapidly amid rising populations and climate threats. The gap jeopardizes progress toward international goals such as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In Thailand, nearly half the population now lives in urban areas anchored by Bangkok’s economic engine. Thai cities face major infrastructure upgrades—from mass transit to flood defenses—while fiscal constraints hinder their ability to raise funds or attract private investment. The disconnect between ambitious plans and available financing drives key policy debates for city leaders aiming to grow responsibly while protecting the environment.

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).

Heat waves are reshaping school sports across Thailand. In response, educators are adjusting practice times, hydration protocols, and emergency readiness to protect young athletes. New insights from 2024–2025 highlight rising heat-related incidents among student athletes, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures in Thai schools.

Thailand’s hot season routinely pushes daytime temperatures beyond 35°C, challenging outdoor activities. Families and teachers are noticing the impact on training schedules and student well-being. Data from global health sources indicate thousands of young athletes require medical care for heat-related issues each year, a trend mirrored in Asia as temperatures climb. Thai authorities report more heat-related school sports incidents, prompting renewed safety standards in many districts.

A bold shift is underway in Bangkok as the city embraces green, water-smart design to cope with floods and subsidence. Sponge parks are being engineered to absorb, store, and gradually release rainwater, transforming how communities live with water and protect neighborhoods, heritage, and the economy.

Urban expansion has eroded natural flood defenses. Paved roads, dense development, and vast construction replaced wetlands and rice fields. The 2011 floods, which caused loss of life and long-term displacement, underscored the need for a different approach. Bangkok now pursues nature-based solutions, aiming to create 500 urban parks by 2026. Projects at Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park and Benjakitti Forest Park illustrate this broader green infrastructure push in Thailand’s capital, supported by collaboration among universities and local agencies.

A glass of plain water may be the most powerful, accessible, and scientifically backed drink for boosting energy. Dietitians worldwide are shifting away from coffee, energy drinks, and sugary beverages as the default energizer. This fresh guidance is especially relevant for Thai audiences in a hot climate with active lifestyles and ongoing public health campaigns to curb sugar and caffeine consumption.

The human body is about 60% water. Even a small dehydration of 1–2% can leave you tired, sluggish, and mentally foggy. Water regulates blood pressure and temperature, drives chemical reactions, and transports nutrients and wastes. When hydration drops, every cell feels the strain, and energy dips. In Thailand, tropical heat, outdoor work, and popular activities like Songkran water play or marathon training put extra stress on fluid reserves.

In a groundbreaking new study unveiled at the 2025 American Physiology Summit, researchers revealed that simply viewing a hot virtual environment via VR can help the body cool off more efficiently during exercise. This innovative approach holds promise for athletes, military personnel, and outdoor workers in Thailand and around the world, suggesting a new direction for safe and effective heat acclimation training without ever leaving the room (Newswise).

Against the backdrop of rising temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses in Thailand, the findings offer timely insights. Bangkok, notorious for its sweltering climate, regularly sees heat advisories, with 2023 setting a new national record for highest temperature at 45.4°C in Tak province (Bangkok Post). Outdoor laborers, soldiers, and endurance athletes face mounting risks as global temperatures climb. The prospect of adapting to heat safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively is increasingly vital for the country’s public health and occupational safety.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit suggests that simply watching a hot virtual environment can trigger the body’s cooling responses during exercise. The finding points to a practical, room-based method for heat acclimation that could benefit athletes, military personnel, and outdoor workers in Thailand and worldwide.

In Thailand’s rising heat, safer acclimation methods are increasingly important. Bangkok’s sweltering climate and heat advisories are well-known, and the country has faced record high temperatures in recent years. Outdoor laborers, soldiers, and endurance athletes face greater risks as temperatures climb. A virtual-reality approach could offer a cost-effective path to safer pre-exposure training without leaving a single room.