PATTAYA, Thailand – A recent survey by Thailand’s Department of Health (DoH) reveals strong family and reproductive aspirations among Thai women. Conducted among 404 women aged 19–49, with an average age of 34.2, the “Pre-Pregnancy Readiness” survey found that 88% of respondents wish to have a partner, while 63% desire children. At the time of the survey, 8% were already pregnant, 67% were married or in a relationship, and 29% were single.
The survey also explored incentives that could encourage women to have children. Respondents ranked universal child allowances as the most effective measure, followed by extending maternity leave to 180 days with full pay. Additional suggestions included subsidized fertility treatments, such as ICSI and IVF, for civil servants at 50–70% coverage, and free treatment for women who had undergone IUI but were still unable to conceive.
Dr. Amphon Benjapolphitak, Director-General of the DoH, stressed the importance of promoting high-quality pre-pregnancy preparation nationwide. To support this, the DoH proposed three key strategies:
-Education and Communication: Deliver information through digital channels, health personnel networks, and local administrative organizations. Priority topics include risks of early pregnancy (under 20 years old), blood sugar control, infectious diseases such as HIV and syphilis, and proper nutrition before conception.
-Proactive Counseling: Establish pre-pregnancy clinics at all levels of public health facilities. Services should integrate reproductive health, nutrition, and mental health counseling, while also highlighting available state incentives to encourage family planning.
-Monitoring and Evaluation: Track and evaluate initiatives aimed at promoting reproductive health and pre-pregnancy readiness among women of reproductive age.
Dr. Boonrit Sukharat, Director of the Reproductive Health Bureau, highlighted the top areas of knowledge among respondents:
-Mental health and substance use: Awareness that mental health problems, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use can negatively impact pregnancy.
-Chronic health conditions: Understanding the importance of consulting a doctor before conception for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and thyroid disorders.
-Healthy lifestyle: Recognizing that regular exercise and good mental health can improve chances of conception.
Despite these strengths, gaps remain in knowledge regarding optimal maternal age and body weight, blood sugar management, and certain infections.
Dr. Akarawat Phueapongpakawat, Director of the Health Literacy Promotion Division, noted that 53% of women surveyed demonstrated adequate health literacy, particularly in accessing pre-pregnancy information and understanding nutrition. Many respondents reported ease in obtaining information, especially on diet and avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and drug use.
The survey underscores both the readiness of Thai women to start families and the need for targeted public health measures to ensure informed and safe pre-pregnancy planning.
