With the approach of the school holidays and rising temperatures, public health officials across Thailand are issuing urgent warnings to parents about the potential dangers their children may face during the oncoming months. Reports indicate significant risks associated with water-related accidents as more children venture outdoors to play.
Specifically, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) is stressing the need for close supervision of children during this period, as they are more likely to engage with natural water bodies, which may lead to accidents. Dr. Taveechai WisanuYothin, the director of the Bureau of Disease Prevention, highlighted, “During the closing weeks of the school term, we often see children spending the entire day at home, without close parental supervision. This can lead to them going to play near water sources, which could result in tragic accidents or even drowning.”
The agency is advocating for strict parental responsibility, urging caregivers to be vigilant. Their guidelines for preventing drowning incidents center on the motto, “Do Not Get Close, Do Not Retrieve, Do Not Lean.”
For younger children under the age of five, specific actions are recommended:
- Do Not Get Close: Keep children at safe distances from water bodies to prevent slips or accidental falls.
- Do Not Retrieve: If toys or other items fall, parents should retrieve them, not the children.
- Do Not Lean: Avoid letting children lean over the edge of banks or troughs, which could result in falling.
For older children and adults, the guidance shifts slightly, emphasizing the importance of reactionary measures if someone does fall:
- Shout: Call for help and quickly alert emergency services by dialing 1669.
- Throw: Toss flotation devices or other materials to assist the individual who has fallen.
- Reach: Extend anything useful (a stick, rope, clothing) to them so they can grab hold without needing to actually enter the water.
“If we can teach children how to swim, the incidence of drowning can be drastically reduced,” Dr. Taveechai stated, adding, “Knowing how to float can make all the difference when accidents happen.”
Separately, the DDC is also directing attention toward rabies prevention after instances of rabid animals have been reported throughout the year. Authorities have emphasized the necessity of vaccinations for pets, especially after any dog or cat bites. Information from the Epidemiology Office indicates the rabies virus was found in several mammalian species such as dogs, cattle, and even cats.
Officials state, “Vaccination is the only effective measure to prevent rabies, which is fatal if symptoms develop.” They advise individuals to seek medical help immediately after any potential exposure. Simple actions like avoiding questionable sources when consuming raw or undercooked beef and reporting any unusual animal behavior to local veterinarians are also recommended.
The DDC's continuous monitoring efforts are evident as they prepare to refine protocols for health response teams during communicable disease investigations. They conducted specialized training sessions for health officials to sharpen investigation capabilities and quick response mechanisms when outbreaks occur.
This proactive approach to public health highlights how balancing personal safety measures and community education can be effective strategies for health management during the hotter months and beyond. The DDC is committed to ensuring all updates and guidelines reach the public, with easy access to important information being a priority.
To access additional resources and updates, members of the public can contact the DDC at their hotline 1422.