Health Update: How Thailand Is Redefining Youth Well-being Through Play, Policy, and Protection – What Experts Say

By offering alternatives to screen-based entertainment, Free Playzones help address developmental delays linked to excessive digital device use.

They support crucial early cognitive and social development by encouraging physical movement, peer collaboration, problem-solving, and creative expression—skills that screens cannot adequately nurture.

This approach directly tackles one of the key challenges identified in the report: that many Thai toddlers are being raised by screens, leading to significant developmental delays.

Addressing Childhood Obesity

The World Obesity Atlas 2024 highlights an important health trend: nearly one-third of Thai children are classified as overweight or obese.

This issue extends beyond appearance, with implications for long-term health and the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

In response, authorities are now targeting the “environment of habit,” redesigning school meals and home routines to systematically reduce sugar, fat, and salt consumption in a more systematic and sustainable way.

Strengthening Safeguards in the Digital Environment

The rapid expansion of online platforms has introduced new risks, with over five million people accessing online gambling last year.

To protect vulnerable youth from financial and social harm, the government is pursuing legislative amendments to the Criminal Code, aimed at strengthening safeguards and promoting a safer digital ecosystem.