BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok authorities have launched a city-wide “BKK Cooling Spot” initiative to combat rising urban heat, as Thailand enters a summer season expected to last until mid-May.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Thursday directed city agencies to establish cooling stations and clean drinking water points across the capital to prevent heatstroke. The plan includes 110 cooling spots in 48 major parks and 242 spots in smaller “15-minute” pocket parks. Additionally, 255 air-conditioned “BKK Cooling Centers” have been opened in schools, health centers, and district offices.
“The best cooling spots are actually convenience stores on every corner,” Chadchart said, noting that the city is seeking cooperation from private retailers like 7-Eleven and Lotus’s to provide refuge for citizens. He also suggested temples as accessible community cooling zones.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has implemented a four-tier heat index warning system based on Health Department standards:
Green (Watch): 27.0–32.9°C – General health monitoring.
Yellow (Alert): 33.0–41.9°C – Reduce outdoor activities.
Orange (Danger): 42.0–51.9°C – Avoid outdoor activities.
Red (Very Dangerous): Above 52.0°C – Strict ban on outdoor activities due to high heatstroke risk.
The heat index reflects perceived temperature by factoring in relative humidity, which hinders the body’s ability to cool down through sweat.
The BMA is currently finalizing a 2026 Heat Management Plan to transition from reactive measures to proactive urban climate cooling strategies. (TNA)
