BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has expressed concern about increasing online health risks among Thai youth, noting that 32.3% are involved in gambling, with total transactions exceeding 58.6 billion baht.
ThaiHealth Assistant Manager Poranee Puprasert reported that children and youth are increasingly targeted by e-cigarette and online gambling marketing. According to the 2025 Thai Health Report, e-cigarette use among youth increased tenfold in one year. The Center for Gambling Studies also found that young gamblers spend an average of 1,633 baht per month. These behaviors are closely associated with mental health challenges, family conflict, and reduced academic motivation.
To address these concerns, Department of Local Administration (DLA) Chief Inspector General Kukiat Nimneam announced that the DLA is partnering with ThaiHealth and the Social Innovation for Youth Foundation (SIY) to empower youth in local development and create sustainable mechanisms within Local Administrative Organizations.
Currently, 32 local organizations serve as model learning centers for youth participation, while 180 others have been designated as pilot sites to promote meaningful youth engagement in their communities. (NNT)
