Pramern Krairos, 57, who headed Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District Office, passed away at the Vajira Hospital yesterday morning. The senior official of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) was hospitalised on Wednesday after he collapsed 20 minutes into an exercise session.

The session was held in response to Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s initiative to encourage officials to exercise to promote good health.

While visiting flooded areas in Surat Thani yesterday, the PM ruled out any changes in the Wednesday weekly exercise schedule for state officials despite the tragic death of the district chief. However, he urged people nearing retirement age to be aware of their physical limits while taking part in exercises.

“People warned me to be careful because I am already over 60. I have to take caution and adapt to suit myself,” he said. Prayut has been leading officials at Government House in exercise every Wednesday afternoon since late last year. Similar workout sessions have taken place at other agencies.

Assoc Prof Dr Panya Kaimuk, a specialist at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, yesterday said fatalities linked to exercise were rare.

He also urged people not to be scared to exercise. “You just need to check your limits,” he said.

Panya recommended the so-called “talk test” during exercise sessions. “After five to six minutes into the workout, you should check if you can speak smoothly. If yes, you can go ahead. But if not, you must realise that your body wants to rest,” he said.

He added that people with heart and coronary diseases should avoid strenuous exercise.

“Also if the sun proves too unbearable, adjust your exercise schedule,” Panya said.

Health Department director-general Wachira Pengjuntr said people should know their health conditions so that they can choose the right types of workouts. “The results of your annual health check-ups will help you make assessments,” he said.

Warm-up important

People should also do warm-up exercises before engaging in strenuous workouts, as well as cool-down exercises afterwards, he added. Vajira Hospital’s director Dr Surawute Leelakakorn said Pramern had been diagnosed as having had a heart attack.

After Pramern was sent to the hospital on Wednesday, an operation to implant a stent was carried out before Pramern was put on a pacemaker and kept at a cardiac care unit. But despite the medical attention, he succumbed at 7.10am yesterday.

Bangkok Governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang described Pramern’s death as a big loss. “He was a good and hard-working man,” Aswin said.

Bangkok City Clerk Patarut Tardaranon said Pramern had worked every day to facilitate the flow of mourners to the Grand Palace so that they could pay respects to the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Funeral rites for Pramern at Makutkasatriyaram Temple will continue until Wednesday, while a royally-sponsored cremation will take place on Thursday.