Thais are suffering from the heat and are worried about soaring electricity bills, urging the government to reduce or freeze electricity rates.

Dusit Poll's survey on "Thais and the Hot Weather" revealed that over 68% of the public find the heat unbearable. Their top concerns were rising electricity costs and the risk of heatstroke, prompting requests for the government to help reduce or freeze electricity prices.

April 26, 2569. Suan Dusit Poll, Suan Dusit University , conducted a nationwide survey of public opinion on the topic of "Thai people and hot weather" from a sample group of 1,306 people. The survey was conducted online and in the field between April 21-24, 2569. The details are as follows:

1. How do people feel about the hot weather these days?

Ranked #1: Unbearably hot (68.22%)
Second place: Very hot but bearable (28.41%)
Ranked 3rd, fairly hot, 3.22%.
Ranked 4th: 0.15% did not feel it was unusually hot.

2. How do people cope with the hot weather?

Number 1: Drinking more cold water (82.01%).
Second place goes to using air conditioners/fans for longer periods, at 77.87%.
Ranked 3rd: Avoiding going out during the daytime (67.84%).
Ranked 4th: Visiting shopping malls or convenience stores (52.91%).
Ranked 5th: Wearing sun-protective clothing (47.32%).

3. What are some of the concerns people have regarding the current hot weather?

Number 1: Electricity prices increased by 85.22%.
Second most common health impact is symptoms such as heatstroke and sun exhaustion (83.84%).
Third place: Drought, wildfires, and PM2.5 dust (65.31%)
Rank 4: Pet Health (39.51%)
Ranked 5th: Damage from summer storms, 38.44%.

4. Should Thais adjust their daily lifestyles to cope with changing weather conditions?

The number one issue that needs serious improvement is 72.13%.
Second place, needs some adjustment (26.88%).
Rank 3: Not sure 0.84%
The 4th place ranking does not yet require an adjustment of 0.15%.

5. What actions should the government take to help people during periods of extreme heat?

Ranked #1: Reduce or freeze electricity rates by 77.95%.
Ranked second is systematic water management and addressing drought problems, at 64.93%.
Ranked 3rd: Planning for long-term climate change adaptation (57.89%).
Ranked 4th: Increasing green spaces in cities by 56.43%.
Ranked #5: Adjust outdoor work hours to avoid peak heat (54.82%).

Ms. Pornphan Buathong, President of Suan Dusit Poll, stated that hot weather has become a pressing problem severely impacting people's daily lives. It's not just about discomfort; it's linked to increased expenses and health risks, particularly high electricity costs, which are a major concern. This reflects the fact that coping with the situation comes at the cost of increased expenses for the public. She hopes the government will implement measures to reduce these costs coupled with long-term planning to prepare for future changes.

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