Ahead of World Kidney Day today, the deputy minister warned that by 2015 as many as 36 million people would have died globally of kidney failure. Smokers, overweight people, and those suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure are especially at risk.

According to the report, last year between 300 and 500 million people suffered from kidney diseases worldwide, but only about 1.5 million of them could afford to pay for hemodialysis treatment or a transplant.

Anuthin said that in 2004 an estimated 100,000 Thais suffered from chronic kidney disease and because medical bills can run as high as Bt30,000 a month, prevention is of primary importance.

The Health Ministry and the Nephrology Society of Thailand held a joint event yesterday and will do so again today at Central Plaza Pinklao to raise awareness of the threat of kidney disease.

State hospitals nationwide will also hold exhibitions today and tomorrow.

Permanent secretary for Public Health Dr Prat Boonyawongwirot said kidney failure could result from diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, kidney stones and heavy smoking. The symptoms of kidney malfunction include foamy or bloody urine, frequent urinating, and swellings in the legs, eyelids or elsewhere, he said.

Prat urged people to exercise regularly, avoid excessively salty or sweet food and quit smoking. People with kidney problems are advised to visit their doctor regularly, he added.