Meta has taken an important step in Thailand with the launch of the “Take It Down” program, an initiative developed in collaboration with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The program, which now also supports the Thai language, offers youth under 18 a safe way to prevent the distribution of their intimate images while respecting their privacy.
Thailand's Ministry of Health is stepping up efforts to combat the alarming increase in sexually transmitted diseases among young people. With a significant increase in syphilis and gonorrhea infections, the country is implementing stricter prevention and control measures. This new approach involves working with the private sector and community groups, and focuses on improving access to treatment and reducing infection rates.
This new article by Bram Siam discusses the mental health of the Thai population. Although Thais often have a smile on their face and seem relaxed, there can be problems behind that smile. Society has many ranks and positions, which can lead to stress and loneliness. Young people in particular experience pressure to meet their parents' expectations. Official reports show that psychological disorders and suicide among young people are a major problem in Thailand. There is a lack of psychological support, and while the influence of the West and social media may help, there is still a long way to go.
If we follow the coverage of the current demonstrations, it seems that it is mainly and perhaps only about politics. That is not true. Many other social issues are also addressed, including education, women's rights and social status.
Despite the government's attempts to obscure it as much as possible, you could hardly miss it, especially in recent weeks and days: the ever-widening wave of protests for more democracy in Thailand.
Still many HIV infections among Thai youth
HIV is still a problem among Thai youth. About half of the 5.400 new HIV infections recorded in Thailand last year were young people aged 15 to 24, said UNAID's regional director for Asia and the Pacific, Eamonn Murphy.
WHO: 80 percent of young people worldwide exercise too little
More and more young people exercise too little because they stare too much at their telephone or tablet. That is a problem worldwide and certainly also in Thailand. According to the WHO, 80 percent of all young people exercise too little. A report warns of the health consequences.
An increasing number of young people, especially students, suffer from trigger fingers and other muscle complaints, said Chutiphon Thammachart, a physical therapist at Mahidol University's Department of Physical Therapy.
Today in Bangkok Post there is an article about the alarming increase in the number of infections with Syphilis. Between 2009 and 2018, the number increased from 2-3 to 12 per 100.000 inhabitants, with the largest increase in the 15-24 age group.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) is sounding the alarm about the rise of the STD, syphilis in teens and young adults. Data from the DDC shows that 36,9 percent of new syphilis infections last year were in the 15 to 24 age range. At least 30 percent do not use a condom.
Siam Square Bangkok gathering place for young hip locals
Contrary to what the name suggests, 'Siam Square' is not a square, but a more rectangular area in the center of Bangkok. It is located opposite the famous shopping mall 'Siam Paragon'. The 'square' is easily accessible as you only have to take another exit at the Siam skytrain station.
Thai youths massively ignore alcohol ban
A survey by the Center for Alcohol Studies (CAS) found that 88 percent of young people under the age of 20 are able to purchase alcohol despite a ban. In 2008 it was 83 percent.
Students have access to “Biergardens” who violate the law
A survey of high school students has shown that they have access to the so-called 'Beergardens' where alcohol is served, according to the head of the Office of the Alcohol Control Committee, these beergardens are therefore against the law.
Sex education for children in Thailand should be expanded to include the issue of consensual sexual contact. This can promote self-control, says teacher Kritaya of the Institute for Population and Social Research of Mahidol University at a seminar.
Backpacking among young people is extremely popular: 27 percent of all Dutch young people between the ages of 22 and 30 have traveled for more than a month in the past 5 years. More than 92 percent of these tours were outside Europe and Thailand is in first place.
Asian youngsters who drink a lot of energy drinks are more likely to attempt suicide
Thailand is the land of energy drinks. We already knew that these drinks are not very healthy due to the amount of sugar, among other things. Yet they are even more dangerous than you think, because the more young people use energy drinks, the greater their risk of sleep problems, stress, depression and the greater the chance that they will attempt to take their own life.
Seven Thai teenagers visiting
Last Friday another holiday period started for our son Lukin. There are no classes until October 26, so plenty of time to undertake all kinds of extracurricular activities. To herald the holiday season, he asked if he could invite some friends from school to his home, so that they would also spend the night.