Overwhelming heat and stifling humidity, Southeast Asia is experiencing exceptional weather conditions. Several French people on vacation or living in Thailand told “Libé” about their life under temperatures of more than 50°C.
More than forty degrees on the thermometer, more than fifty degrees felt taking into account the high humidity levels. In recent days, in Thailand, but also in the Philippines and Bangladesh, the authorities have taken measures to protect populations from extreme heat. April is considered the hottest month in the region, but this year the heatwave is exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon and global warming. The year 2023 was also the hottest ever recorded in the world, and 2024 promises to be worse. These heatwave episodes are likely to recur and we will have to learn to adapt. Release contacted French people on vacation in Thailand or living there to talk about how they are adapting to the furnace. Testimonials.
“My 10-year-old son felt unwell”
Mona, 42, on vacation for two weeks in Thailand in April
“We returned to France on Friday April 19. We were vacationing in Phuket and offshore islands with my husband and two children. I have never experienced such heat. We couldn’t go out into the street. Even when fleeing the sun, with parasols, anti-UV creams and t-shirts for children. It was only in the water that we felt good.
By the third day, my ten-year-old son started complaining about the heat. He was staggering, he had a fever. He even lost consciousness once. So we had to get organized. We only went to air-conditioned restaurants, for example, even in the evening. But at 10 p.m., it was still 34°C. I believe that in two weeks, the thermometer has not dropped below 30°C. My second son, eight years old, had no problems.
It didn’t spoil our vacation. We had already been here twelve years ago at the same time. We knew we would be hot. And then, we were able to participate in the Songkran festival, the water festival. For three days everyone sprays themselves in the street with water guns or even buckets. My children loved it and it felt good.”
“I saw a hotel put ice cubes in its swimming pool”
Pascale, 62, on the island of Ko Samui for seven years
“I spend my time ordering water trucks to fill the tanks of the houses I manage. A 2000 liter truck costs around 12 euros. For a 30 square meter bungalow for two people, you need one every two days. The problem is that we are on an island that has seen a lot of construction since Covid. Water reserves are quickly exhausted. Right now everything is dry. The lawns are burned.
I have been here for seven years and, before, I lived in Aix-en-Provence, I know the heat but I have never experienced that. I usually never turn on the air conditioning in my house. But there, it is impossible to do otherwise. It’s 35°C at night! I even saw a hotel put ice cubes in their swimming pool to cool the water! And again, we are lucky. On an island, we have a little air. My son went to Bangkok, which is further inland, it’s unlivable.”
“There, it’s violent”
Bernard, 43, in Phuket for two years.
“April is the hottest month here, it’s the equivalent of summer for us. But this is violent. It’s very hot, early in the morning. When you come out, you’re soaked in two seconds. We become dehydrated very quickly. It’s not pleasant at all, there’s not much we can do. So, we stay cool, where there is air conditioning, at home or in shopping centers.
I organize excursions, but I can work remotely. So I stay at home, and I go out after 5 or 6 p.m. If I want to go shopping, I’ll air out my car and turn on the air conditioning a little before. Otherwise, it’s an oven, you burn yourself on everything, the steering wheel, the seats… I know that in some cities they block water consumption on certain days. There is not enough of it.”
“I took a shower with my clothes on and went to bed like this”
Constance, 46 years old, in Chiangmai for three years.
“I live in the north of the country. It is currently 43 degrees. In the region, we suffer a double penalty, since the air is saturated with fine particles due to the burning which takes place every year at this time and comes from neighboring countries such as Laos and Burma… We live in a traditional house in teak, poorly insulated. So we are subject to the rhythm of the elements. We have an old air conditioning in the room but it is broken. The only solution when it’s hot is to moisten your body. Last night I was woken up by the heat. I took a shower fully clothed and went to bed like that.
On Sunday we will have guests in our guest house. They’re going to be hot. We keep damp cloths in the freezer to put on our heads during the day. We also have a swimming pool to take a dip in. But you have to work hard. We have three dogs, six cats and a herd of elephants. All living beings suffer from heat. You have to make sure they have fresh water. Fortunately, we have two lakes on the property, so we don’t run out of water. I have been coming to Thailand regularly for eight years. We often have temperature peaks at 38°C, or even 40°C. But 43°C, and for several days, it’s really exceptional.”
