The details of the UV index rating system are as follows:
| UV Index | Color rating/strength | Recommended protection |
| 0–2.9 | Green / low strength | Wear sunglasses on clear days. |
| 3–5.9 | Yellow / moderate strength | Cover skin with suitable clothing and, if you must go outside, avoid doing so between the hours of 10:00 – 15:00 as this is when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. |
| 6–7.9 | Orange / high strength | Cover skin with suitable clothing, wear a hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with an SPF rating of over 30 and a PA rating of 3+. Also make sure you are spending no more than 3 hours outdoors. |
| 8–10.9 | Red / very high | Apply sunscreen with an SPF rating of over 30 and a PA rating of 3+, wear UV reflective clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid spending long periods of time outdoors. |
| 11+ | Purple / extremely high | Exercise extreme caution! Apply sunscreen with an SPF rating of over 30 and a PA rating of 3+, wear long-sleeved UV reflective clothing and trousers, wear sunglasses, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid spending more than 3 hours outdoors. |
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The UV or ultraviolet index is a simple reading related to the strength of the sun’s rays that involves measuring the concentration of UV rays found on the earth’s surface.
- The UV index in Thailand averages a rating between 11–12, which is considered extremely high.
- Dermatologists recommend the daily application of a sunscreen with an SPF rating of over 30 or a PA rating of 3+ on the face and other exposed areas of the skin to protect it from UV rays.
The month of March traditionally marks the start of the hot season in Thailand, during which time the UV index climbs extremely high and poses a significant danger to our skin.
Generally, the provinces that receive a UV index rating of very high – extremely high (from 10:00 onwards) – are as follows: Kanchanaburi, Bangkok, Chonburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Trat, Surat Thani, Phuket and Songkhla. People residing in these provinces should exercise extreme caution and be sure to avoid going outdoors between the hours of 10:00–15:00 because exposure to a mere 15–20 minutes of sunlight during this time could cause sunburn and other long-term issues, such as eye disorders and skin cancer.
To conclude, it is essential that we apply sunscreen products that are clinically proven to offer an SPF rating of 30 or more and a PA rating of 3+ to our face and exposed areas of our skin on a daily basis. This is especially important for infants and adults with dermatological issues or an allergy to sunlight. We should all avoid going outdoors between the hours of 10:00–15:00. However, if going outside is unavoidable, be sure to protect the long-term health of your skin and eyes with a hat, UV resistant sunglasses, suitable clothing, and an umbrella.
LINK to Thai UV DAILY INDEX HERE
