Bangkok’s 190 Cooling Shelters: Your Guide to Staying Cool in Extreme Heat

Bangkok’s Cooling Rooms: A Lifesaver As Heat Rises

Bangkok is taking proactive steps to help residents and visitors cope with soaring temperatures. As of February 22 — the official start of summer in Thailand — the city has set up 190 cooling shelters (or "cooling rooms") across all 50 districts. These spaces are designed to offer relief from the relentless Thai heat, which this year is forecast to be even more severe than last.

With the Thai Meteorological Department warning of possible record-breaking temperatures, especially from mid-March to April, Bangkok’s move couldn’t be more timely. Areas like Mae Hong Son, Lampang, and Tak could see highs above 42°C, and the capital is bracing for long, hot days that can challenge anyone’s health and sanity.

Why Does Bangkok Need Cooling Shelters?

Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke, and aggravation of existing health conditions. Vulnerable populations (elderly people, children, and outdoor workers) are especially at risk. In a bustling urban environment like Bangkok, with its concrete and traffic, temperatures can feel even higher due to the “urban heat island” effect.

This is why having public cooling shelters available for anyone — from the city’s most vulnerable citizens to expats, tourists, and outdoor workers — is a game-changer, especially as air-conditioned spaces aren’t accessible to everyone.

What Do Bangkok’s Cooling Shelters Offer?

Each shelter location may vary, but here’s what you can typically expect:

• Air-conditioning and/or electric fans for rapid cooling
• Comfortable, shaded seating
• Drinking water dispensers for staying safely hydrated
• Reading/activity corners and sometimes free Wi-Fi for killing time while you cool off
• Health information boards with practical tips about heat safety
• At select locations: TVs, book corners, and accessible toilets

All shelters are designed for easy access, with locations searchable online for added convenience (see further below on how to find them).

Where Are These Cooling Rooms Located?

The cooling rooms span Bangkok’s 50 districts, typically set up inside schools, community centers, and local government offices. Here are a few real-world examples to give you an idea:

• Wat Pathum Wanaram School (Pathum Wan District): Full-time air-conditioning, comfortable seating, drinking water, and book corners.
• Wat Khlong Phum School (Yan Nawa District): Alternating A/C and fans, Wi-Fi access, reading corners, and chilled water dispensers.
• Wat Saphan School (Khlong Toei District): Access to drinking water, health info boards, and cool rest areas.
• Wat Samanam Borihan School (Dusit District): Alternating cooling options, TV program access, book corners, and water dispensers.

Other districts feature their own versions, but the key is that every neighborhood has at least one easily reachable cooling shelter.

How to Find a Cooling Shelter Near You

The city has published an online searchable map and database of every shelter and its hours, so you can quickly find the closest, most convenient spot. For tourists, your hotel or guesthouse will likely know the nearest locations — don’t hesitate to ask the staff, especially during peak heat warnings.

Many expat and travel groups on Facebook and Line are also sharing the latest info; a quick search for “Bangkok cooling room” or “ห้องพักคลายร้อน กทม.” (in Thai) should lead you to the right resources.

Who Can Use Bangkok’s Cooling Shelters?

Everyone is welcome — locals, expats, and even visitors who may find themselves suddenly overwhelmed by Bangkok’s midday heat. While most visitors tend to duck into malls, cafes, or hotels, these public spaces are especially valuable for people in more residential or less touristy areas, and for those who may not have funds for private air-con escapes.

Tips for Beating the Heat in Bangkok

While the new cooling shelters are a real asset, it’s smart to practice a few basic heat-beating strategies:

• Avoid strenuous activity outdoors during the hottest hours (typically 11am–3pm)
• Stay hydrated — drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Wear lightweight, breathable, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
• Use good sunscreen when venturing outside (See: Best Sunscreens for Thailand Heat)
• Use public transport or shaded walkways to minimize sun exposure
• If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have trouble breathing — seek shade or a cooling room immediately

If you’re planning to explore the city's open-air attractions but want to stay safe, consider joining air-conditioned tours or indoor activities (see Bangkok experiences here).

Is This a New Trend Across Thailand?

The concept of public cooling shelters isn’t unique to Bangkok — other provinces with extreme heat alerts may set up similar facilities during severe weather. If you’re heading north or to hotspots like Mae Hong Son or Lampang, check local news or municipality websites for updates. And when booking accommodation, pay attention to whether rooms have reliable air-conditioning — the heat is no joke this year (for suggestions, explore Bangkok hotels at Trip.com).

Bangkok’s Other Heat Safety Initiatives

In addition to these public cooling rooms, local authorities are also:

• Boosting public announcements about heat safety
• Distributing water and protective gear to outdoor workers
• Stepping up outreach to the elderly, street vendors, and the homeless
• Encouraging community centers and malls to remain open longer

Banks, district offices, city-run schools, and temples often act as informal cooling spaces too, especially during festivals or community events (see our February festivals guide for timing).

Staying Safe: Recognize Signs of Heat Stress

Keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, which can come on fast. These include:

• Heavy sweating, rapid pulse, or muscle cramps
• Nausea, dizziness, headache
• Confusion or disorientation (a medical emergency)
• Loss of consciousness (call 1669 in Thailand for emergency services)

If you or someone else shows any of these signs, immediately move to a shaded or air-conditioned shelter, drink cool water slowly, and seek medical attention if necessary.

Key takeaways

• Bangkok has launched 190 cooling shelters across all 50 districts for relief from extreme heat
• Shelters are free and open to everyone, offering A/C, fans, drinking water, seating, and more
• Check for shelter locations online or ask local community offices and hotels for the nearest options
• Recognize heat stress symptoms and use cooling spaces early — especially from March to April
• For more heat survival tips, see our sunscreen ranking and stay up to date with Thailand’s weather alerts
• Public cooling shelters may become more common outside Bangkok as climate risks grow