NOTES ON SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AFFECTING MILITARY LOGISTICS IN THAILAND
Abstract
Thailand's climate is characterized by a rainy and a dry season, except for small areas of year-long wet conditions. Shortage of potable water is a problem in much of the country especially during the dry season. The dietary structure of the Thai people reflects a crucial dependence on rice for all meals. Of secondary importance are fish, vegetables, and fruit. Too great a dependence on a single food type, coupled with long-practiced dietary habits and taboos that depress the consumption of available foods, such as eggs, creates a problem of malnutrition in the form of deficiency diseases. Nevertheless, Thailand is a food-surplus nation. Mosquitoes, flies, biting gnats, midges, mites, lice, ticks, spiders, scorpions, and leeches are common pests in Thailand. Insects and similar pests, because of heir presence, bites, and stings, can lower the morale of even well-seasoned troops. Insect-borne i eases remain a problem even with military personnel possessing innoculative immunity. It is necessary to maintain preventive measures for disease control in Thailand. Anti-venom should be available for all field personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0278584