PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities in Pattaya issued an extreme heat warning for the Songkran festival, with forecast temperatures of 37 to 41°C and even higher perceived values, urging visitors to protect themselves, drink enough water and avoid direct midday sun.
Heat warning at the start of the hottest season
Thailand entered its hottest phase of the year as Pattaya prepared for large crowds during the Songkran festival. Officials expected daytime highs between 37 and 41°C, with the heat index likely to climb further at peak times.
They stressed that in tightly packed areas and during prolonged stays outdoors, the risk of heat-related health problems increased significantly. Authorities therefore called for particular caution over the festive period.
Advice for tourists and residents
People joining water fights or spending time on the beach were urged to drink regularly, seek shade and avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight. Activity levels should be reduced especially around midday, when the heat was most intense.
Officials also recommended shifting outdoor plans to the early morning or later evening hours. This, they said, would allow visitors and locals to enjoy the festival without putting unnecessary strain on the body.
More first aid at Pattaya hotspots
At key event sites and in major tourist zones, first aid stations and basic emergency support were to be strengthened. The aim was to identify and treat heat-related illnesses more quickly.
These measures focused on high-traffic areas where people were likely to remain outdoors for long periods. Around the beaches and nightlife districts, Pattaya expected particularly heavy visitor flows.
Nationwide Songkran safety planning
Across Thailand, Songkran safety planning also included monitoring groups considered especially at risk. In addition, access to drinking water was to be improved to prevent dehydration.
In crowded zones, emergency routes were to be kept clear so that assistance would not be delayed. Authorities relied on forward-looking organisation during this period of intense travel.
Travel behaviour and traffic: call for responsibility
Officials appealed for responsible travel behaviour, noting that heavy traffic was expected in many places during the holidays. They also pointed out that fuel prices and travel costs could influence people’s movements at this time.
For holidaymakers, this meant planning routes and schedules carefully to avoid stress and unnecessary strain in the heat. Those with flexibility could steer clear of peak times and thereby reduce potential health risks.
Pattaya braces for crowded beaches, nightlife and island trips
Pattaya was counted among the most important destinations for Thai and international tourists, and large crowds were anticipated. Beaches, nightlife areas and departure points for island-hopping tours were expected to be especially busy.
Authorities underlined that, this year, the combination of long outdoor activities and intense summer heat required additional caution. They stressed that safety should remain a priority despite the festive atmosphere.
Your view
Readers were invited to share how they experienced Songkran in Pattaya and whether they considered the current heat warnings and precautions sufficient. The call asked whether more protection and better on-site services were needed.
People were encouraged to comment on which tips helped them most in extreme heat and where they saw the greatest risks in Pattaya – on the beach, during water fights or in the party zones.