The Public Health Ministry is urging all members of the public to take precautions against the searing heat which is expected to linger for the next couple of weeks, after reports of two deaths over the past two days due to suspected heatstroke.
With daytime temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas, more people are susceptible to heatstroke, which can cause organ failure and even death, said Public Health permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong on Tuesday.
Symptoms of heatstroke include rapid heartbeat, dizziness and headache, vomiting, loss of balance and fainting.
Young children, the elderly and individuals living with chronic health conditions such as hypertension, obesity or heart disease tend to be more susceptible to heatstroke, said Dr Opas.
He also advised against strenuous physical exercise outdoors and warned those who work outside to take active precautions against the heat.
He urged people to wear loose, light-coloured clothes which do not trap heat and drink at least 2-4 glasses of water per hour instead of waiting until they are thirsty.
The permanent secretary said caffeinated, sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages should be avoided to reduce the risk of heatstroke.
Those who are vulnerable to heatstroke should keep out of the sun and stay in a well-ventilated room.
A 70-year-old man was found dead at a community centre in Ban Suay Nok in Phimai district of Nakhon Ratchasima province on Tuesday.
The man, identified only as Damrong, was found dead on a bamboo bed. Beside him, police found a bottle of energy drink.
In Samut Songkhram, Somsak Seekham, 76, died at his house in tambon Laemyai of Muang district. His body was found on Monday, and he was believed to have been dead for at least two days. There was no sign of a struggle inside, but two electric fans were found running in the house.
His brother, Prachuab Seekham, 67, told police Somsak suffered from hypertension.