Children and Youth in Thailand

Home , Education in Thailand, Government of Thailand, Religion in Thailand

Wirot Sanrattana Merrill M. Oaks

Being published

National Profile

Thailand is a rich tapestry of traditional and modern culture. Located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Myanmar (Burma) – see map. “Siam” is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1949. On May 11, 1949 an official proclamation changed the name to “Prathet Thai” or “Thailand”. The word “Thai” means “free”, and therefore “Thailand” means “Land of the Free”. Thailand’s known as the “Land of Smiles” for the friendliness of its people.

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European or other world power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. The provisions relating in the constitutional government and monarchy laid down in the 1932 Constitution specified three basic concepts regarding the governmental structure. First, the Monarch is regarded as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces and Upholder of the Buddhist Religion and all other religions. Second, a bicameral National Assembly, which is comprised of members of Parliament and members of Senate, administers the legislative branch. Third, the Prime Minister as head of the government and chief executive oversees the executive branch covering the Council of Ministers which is responsible for the administration of 19 ministries and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Buddhism is the pre-dominate religion with a minority of other world religions represented throughout the nation. Thai is the predominant language with English a second language of choice. Local dialects predominate on Thai borders with neighboring countries of Myanmar, (Burma) Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia. The ethnic composition of Thailand is 75 percent Thai, 14 percent Chinese and 11 percent other. January 2006 data indicated that Thailand’s population was 62.5 million with relative equal balance of male and female represented.

There is a total in-country workforce of 35,711,300 with approximately half (49 percent) working in agriculture related careers. The service sector represents 37 percent employment followed by 13 percent in the industrial sector. Life expectancy is 71.41 years with women outliving men by about two years. Literacy rate for Thai children and youth is 92.6 percent.

The population of children and youth (0-14) is 24.33 million or 37.91 percent of the national population. This number has declined from 61.12 percent of total population in 1980 and is consistent with the national population rate that has fallen over the past 20 years from 2.0 percent to 1.1 percent growth. It is expected that in 2014 the population of children and youth will continue to fall to 24.06 million or 34.76 percent of the total population. Three chronological age groupings are used to consider children and youth needs and services; 1) 5 years of age and younger, 2) 6-14 years, and 3) 15-25 years.

For children 5 years of age and younger, the government focuses on physical and mental wellness including immunization, nutrition, early childhood education, and family stability. Infant mortality rate is approximately 20.48 deaths per 1000 births for newborns within this group. The infant and young child group consisted of 5.9 million 3 in 1999 or 22.07 percent of the total child and youth population. This number is predicted to fall to 5.2 million or 21.34 percent in 2011 and is expected to be 5.0 million or 20.90 percent in 2014.

Children age 6-14 years are in the process of educational and social development, therefore the Thai Government places priority on quality educational and family support to optimize mental, physical and social development. Children in this group totaled 5.67 million (32.44 percent) in 1999. These numbers are predicted to increase to 8.67 million or (35.52 percent) in 2011 and then reduce to 8.10 million (34.18 percent) in 2016. Youth and young adults age 15-25 years who continued education and entered mainstream work represented 12.2 million (45.0 percent) of the total child and youth population in 1999. That number is predicted to reduce to 10.5 million in 2011 and 10.7 million in 2014.

There are two categories of children of migrants who are in an especially vulnerable situation. They are the children of displaced persons residing in camps along the border with Myanmar and the children of registered and unregistered migrant workers from neighboring countries. The two groups together comprise more than 150,000 children. It has been recommended that the Government of Thailand strengthen policies pertaining to children of migrants within a framework that integrates migration policies with its broader strategies for social and economic development.

Overview

Thailand has an active history of policy support for child advocacy, education, and social development since 1911. King Rama VI initiated a national policy at that time to establish Thailand’s first Boy Scout Group, which set in motion a growing number of related child centered policies focused on the welfare of the Kingdom’s children and youth. The King had a deep interest and concern for the Kingdom’s children and youth, considering them to be the nation’s most important asset. Acting as their advocate, he enforced a policy to educate and support all children to become productive citizens through self development of social and career skills, including awareness and practice of social welfare toward others.

Thailand adopted its first National Economic and Social Development Plan for 1961- 1966, and the Second for 1967-1971. During this period, results of child and youth issues were analyzed, leading to increased government policy support for child and youth development and management. The Office of National Youth, a division of National Research Council of Thailand, was subsequently established to develop plans and to cooperate with governmental and private organizations in order to reinforce that youth be recognized as Thailand’s most valuable resource.

The Fifth National Economic and Social Development Plan (1982-1986) and the Eighth (1997-2001) lead to the long-term Child and Youth Development Plan 1981-2001 and 2002-2011 respectively. These benchmark plans established a long standing national commitment to initiate and enforce child policy and youth empowerment which is scheduled well into the 21st century.

The history of the National Youth Policy has been shaped from governmental policy, changing social and cultural environments, and national political leaders. International initiatives historically have included the Rights of Children project and more recently participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO). These initiatives emphasize contemporary child and youth development as an enterprise by organizing related functions of family and community development.

In addition to national organizations responsible for child and youth development, there are private organizations, the most prominent being the National Council for Child and Youth Development (NCYD) under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Chakri Sirindhon. Founded in June 1984, the Council serves as the coordination center for organizations responsible for promoting child and youth development in Thailand. The Council includes both state and private sectors as well as foreign and international organizations. The National Council for Child and Youth Development (NCYD) includes 33 common foundations members. Examples include the Duang Prateep Foundation, Foundation for Child Development (FCD), Foundation for Children, Foundation for Children with Disabilities (FCD), Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, Thai Youth Hostels Association (TYHA), The Center for the Protection of Children’s Right Foundation, The Rural Development Foundation, Young Muslim Association of Thailand, and Young People Development Centers (UPDC).

Education

At present, the framework of education in Thailand is based on the 1997 constitution and the 1999 National Education Act. The Constitution ensures that all people will have both the right and duty to receive education and training as well as academic freedom. It also includes the right to receive care and education for children, youth, women, the elderly, the underprivileged and the handicapped. Those provisions will protect the right to education of “all” Thai people.

For basic education, the constitution also provided for the first time that all Thai people will have an equal right to receive basic education for at least 12 years, free of charge. Section 10 of the 1999 National Education Act, revised in 2002, specifies that education is for everyone with equal rights and equal opportunity to receive a basic education of at least 12 years and that the state must provide to all with quality without collecting any expenditure from students. Additionally, the law states that compulsory education is for nine years, covering 6 years of primary education and 3 years of lower secondary education. This requires that children aged 7 enter basic education school until they are 16 years of age.

Schools, both metropolitan and rural, are funded for basic educational needs for administration and instruction for all children in its assigned area. In addition to basic education, the government also provides basic food, health care, and clean drinking water.

Pre-primary education or early children education is also included in basic education. The enrollment rates at pre-primary level, however, have continuously decreased since 1999. In order to facilitate higher access to education for this age group, government 5 subsidies have been granted to public and private schools that provide pre-primary education since academic year 2004.

The number of primary students has been high for several years as a result of increasing numbers of 6-11 year old children participating in school education as well as the under-age and over-age population of students. In 2003, the retention rates at all levels of education, except for general upper secondary, were higher than in 1999. The retention rates in primary education, in particular, gradually increased while those in other levels of education faced a decline when compared to the year 2000. This may have been caused by higher dropouts as a result of the impact of the economic crisis.

Lifelong learning has long been one of the ultimate goals of the Thai educational system, since it is believed that it will eventually lead to a knowledge-based society. Children who have finished their compulsory education can further their studies in either formal or special educational institutes.

Special education, particularly “inclusion” for special needs students, is beginning to be practiced in more public schools, primarily with partially sighted and partially hearing students. Increasing numbers of universities are developing special education teacher preparation programs.

For those who choose not to study formally beyond the compulsory age requirement, the government provides short, intensive training sessions for specific employable tasks so all individuals can earn a living.

According to the Office of the Basic Education Commission, disadvantaged children are divided into 10 types: children forced to enter the labor market, children who are sex workers, deserted children, children in the Observation and Protection Centers, street children, children affected by HIV/AIDS, children of the minorities (e.g. hill tribe people), physically-abused children, impoverished children and children affected by narcotic drugs. In 2003 more of these groups of disadvantaged children (1,377,966 cases) had access to basic education than in 2002 (1,146,987cases).

Currently many youth decide not to continue their education beyond the minimum level due to lack of money or the need to support themselves and families. These youth currently lack the opportunity for further higher education. To resolve this situation, beginning in 2006 the government initiated policy to reform the nation’s basic education formula to ensure that all Thai children and youth attain not less than 9 years of formal education. The policy includes up-grading the education of the Thai labor force to reach a minimum of the secondary level.

Since the passage of the 1999 National Education Act (revised 2002), the government has developed policies recognizing the importance of an appropriate education for all Thai children. Those that lack educational opportunity, handicapped children, and those children and youth who lack basic skills are insured of services to assist their development into productive citizens. The policy states that the education for those who are deficient in intellectual, social, and communication skills or those who are incapacitated by mental or physical handicapping conditions have the right to access 6 facilities, services, and support personnel according to the Ministry of Education rules, policies and procedures.

Thailand currently has a cost free education policy for children who are disabled or lack opportunity from financial hardship or other issues that preclude them from accessing regular schools. Primary, lower secondary, and higher secondary level schools are currently free for these students. Parents also pay nothing for special schools for at-risk children, schools and programs for disabled children, and other facilities specifically designed for “special populations”.

Play, Recreation, and Sports

Data from the National Statistical Office (2003) indicated the percentage breakdown of children and youth age 6-24 years who participate in sports (athletics) was 41.5 percent for the 6-11 year old group, 28.3 percent for the 12-14 age group and 67.9 percent for the 20-24 age group. Primary recreational activities for the 6-11 year group were meeting with friends, playing sports, and exercise. Children in the 12-14 age group used free time for radio, computer games and technology, exercise, meeting with friends, video-tape listening, and reading including newspapers, comic books and books.

Technology has a significant impact on the patterns of leisure time activities for Thai children and youth of all ages. Telecommunications has revolutionized the way Thai youth see the world and respond to other cultures. Public and personal media including television, radio, cartoon images, print media, co-communication using digital technology, satellite, and fiber optics have increased recreational and leisure possibilities for all Thai citizens, especially children. One- and two-way media reception is fast, cheap, and readily accessible to all. The computer and mobile phone are the primary communication tools used by Thai children in play, recreation, and educational pursuit of knowledge, friendship, communication, and social interaction.

Thailand is now facing the issue of how to effectively deal with the rapid onset of telecommunications with its youth population. Children and youth can now build communication networks which can both benefit and detract from cultural, social, ethical, traditional, and cultural mores. The challenge is to build, within youth, the ability to use the new window on the world educationally, recreationally and wisely to improve their quality of life.

Thai society has the ability to listen to the needs of children and youth officially through the Office of National Commission of Youth Support and Coordination, and the National Council for Child and Youth Development (NCYD) under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Chakri Sirindhon. These organizations work for the stable, responsible lives of all Thai children and youth including wholesome, meaningful recreation and leisure time activities.

Child labor

The following acts govern the laws and policies concerning child and youth welfare in Thailand:

1. Nationality Act 1992 gives Thai citizenship to children born of Thai mothers and foreign fathers. This law also provides free educational rights for all children. 2. Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act 1996 reduces penalty for convicted prostitutes while increasing punishment on customers of minor prostitutes. It also imposes penalties on parents, guardians and others who recruit minors into prostitution. 3. Measures in Prevention and Suppression of Trafficking in Women and Children Act of 1997 extends the definition of child trafficking to both genders and provides authorities more protection for Thai and foreign children. 4. Penal Code Amendment Act (No. 14) 1997 offers more protection to minors and covers extra-territorial jurisdiction over an offense. 5. Labor Protection Act 1999 raises the minimum employee age from 13 to 15 and includes special provision for protection of minors. 6. Criminal Procedure Amendment Act (No. 20) 1999 reduces hardship for child victims and witnesses by introducing child-friendly court procedures. 7. Money Laundering Control Act 1999 includes trafficking in children and women as one of the punishable offenses for money laundering. 8. Compulsory Education Act 2002 raises compulsory education from 6 to 9 years of schooling and free education to 12 years of schooling while supporting non- formal education. 9. The Child Protection Act 2003 identifies a “child” as a person below the age of 18 years of age who is eligible for child protection and welfare assistance in accordance to the best interest of the child.

In Thailand, the minimum employment age for child labor is 15 years. For employment of any youth under the age of 18 years, the employer must notify the local labor inspector within 15 days from the date employment started. There are stringent rules regarding employment of youth. For example, employers must provide a minimum of one hour of rest for every four hours of work. A child employee under the age of 18 cannot work after 6 PM and before 6 AM except with written permission of the Director-General or designee. Anyone under the age of 18 cannot work overtime or on holidays. Employers also cannot place a youth under the age of 18 years in hazardous work such as smelting, blowing, casting, or rolling or stamping metal, work involving conditions of heat, cold, vibration, sound and abnormal lighting which may be dangerous as prescribed by Ministerial Regulations. Work involving hazardous chemicals, work involving poisonous microorganisms, which include virus, bacteria, fungus, or other microorganisms as prescribed by Ministerial Regulations is also prohibited by law.

An employer cannot ask an employee aged 18 or under to perform work in slaughterhouses, gambling houses, dance halls, establishments where food, liquor, tea, or other beverages are served, and where the services of prostitutes, sleeping facilities, 8 or massage are offered. An employer is prohibited from paying remuneration of a child employee to a person other than the employee, demanding or receiving a guarantee of money for any reason from the child or youth employee.

A 1997 study found that in the 13-24 age group there were 6.3 million youth, or 84.2 percent of the age group who work and no longer attend school. In the 20-24 age group, 67.7 percent were actively employed. Most jobs were on a family farm assisting with agricultural tasks. This group constitutes 42.7 percent of youth who worked as employees. Additional agriculture jobs included technicians or production process work which included 30.5 percent of all working youth. The remaining jobs were in merchandising and helping family which included 10.9 percent of all working youth.

A 2003 National Statistical Office study found high unemployment in the 15-25 year old group. For youth who finished either vocational programs or higher education, data indicated that males had a higher unemployment rate than females. There was also evidence that the trend was to prepare youth for government or private employee- employer work rather than training for entrepreneurship.

The “Labor Protection Act” monitors the pattern of employment between employer and employee in entrepreneurial work. The act provides advantages to child labor in licensed, private business enterprise known as, “child labor within the system”. This advantage is not covered in other kinds of child labor laws, such as child labor in the agricultural sector and child labor waged in home (family), which is known as “child labor outside the system”.

Family

The typical Thai family unit is comprised of biological parents and children with close extended family ties. Demographics for the family unit are changing to reflect the changing role of women and men in Thai society. A national survey on “family happiness” found that 4.8 million families from the 7.6 million family survey participants (63.12 percent) were living together as intact family units. Survey results also indicated there were 370,000 neglected children, 470,000 orphans and 880,000 children who do not live with parents. These children were either living with relatives or living alone as runaways. There are several reasons for increased family issues. Divorce has steadily increased over the past 25 years. Data from 1983 to present indicate an increase of almost three times the divorce rate over the past 20 years. By 2000 females as head of household were 20 percent and increasing steadily.

Changing family values are increasingly impacting the role and function of family, especially child care. Increasing reliance on child care facilities, due to more women entering the work force, means that Thai children are not receiving the traditional culture-centered, parent-family child rearing experienced in the past. This lack of family influence, parent modeling, and overall responsibility compounds the issues facing Thai families.

These conditions reflect the low economic status of many Thai families leading to problems including higher rate of divorce, prostitution, immigration, females seeking work outside the home, child neglect, and couples living together outside of marriage.

A recent positive effect is that Thailand’s economy has improved significantly since the 1997 economic collapse. This improvement is having a positive impact on families and the children. Middle class families are benefiting more than lower socio-economic groups, but during 2005 and 2006, data indicated that children’s issues were being addressed more aggressively and that overall welfare of children and youth in Thailand had improved significantly.

The role of Thai government is critical in addressing issues of Thai children and families in the future. Six strategies have been identified to accomplish that goal: 1) support/enhance the importance of being a good parent role model by demonstrating leadership in proposing new ideas for children and youth of all ages, 2) build understanding of child nutrition and wellness at each stage of development starting with prenatal care, 3) integrate content of family study as a part of the curriculum in all school levels, 4) champion family study and build understanding through mass media and social and political leaders, 5) develop family consultant and guidance services, and 6) support family centered community activities.

Health

A recent study of children 5 years of age and younger found that this group had an improved survival rate due to progress of Thailand’s emphasis on public health. This renewed emphasis on public health issues has reduced the death rate of children from 7.2 per thousand to 5.l8. Disease prevention and protection has also improved. For example, in one study the numbers of infant mortality was reduced from 212 cases to 27 simply because mothers gave birth at a hospital. A survey of primary school age children ages 6-14 conducted by the National Education Commission Office found that of 6.3 million children, 3.7 million (58.7 percent) were classified as “hungry”. Over the next four years that figure was reduced to only 3.3 percent for that age group, indicating that child nutrition had improved. Youth aged 15-25 years typically exhibit improved health from a nutritional perspective, but recent increased drug use has complicated the issue.

The trend in Thailand is a reduction of numbers of children and youth who smoke. Few women smoke or drink in Thai society. The lower socioeconomic group is where a majority of smoking and drinking occurs. Many Thai smokers are employed in agriculture, labor, and transportation. Statistics indicate that most alcohol consumption is found in the 15-24 age group.

Significant deaths among the 15-25 age year group are caused by traffic related accidents. Motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation in Thailand and are the cause of numerous motor vehicle accidents for this age group. In cities, many youth injuries and deaths come from traffic related accidents and in rural areas agricultural related injuries are the primary accident cause.

Pregnancy among Thai youth is high among some age groups. For example, in one study of the 16-18 age group, 21.4 percent became unintentionally pregnant. Fortunately, HIV and AIDS statistics are trending downward from early 2000 data. Safe sex, particularly the use of condoms, has had some effect on reduction of HIV. One research study found that some Thai youth begin having sex at about age 12, however, the period that most have first sex is 14-17 years.

Law and Legal status

Thailand has adopted laws, policies, and guidelines to ensure the rights and protection of those 18 years and younger. The primary goal is to ensure that all children have the right and support to develop physically, emotionally, socially and psychologically.

Laws and legal statutes for Thai children and youth were initially developed by the government during the 1931-1957 period. Initial laws were mostly focused on punishment, behaviors and “wrong doing” of minors. The second period, 1958-1977, dealt with laws of students’ behavior, control, assistance and protection of basic rights. The third period, 1998 to present, focused on abolishing old laws and adoption of new ones to fit emerging social-cultural environments including economic structure, social, and democratic policy governing children and youth. Within the last ten years these new polices and laws have created more awareness of issues and problem solving of minors basic human rights. The evolution of welfare and social assurance and of enhanced child and youth support provide opportunity for enhanced regional and global rights. This effort has emerged as a major campaign to ensure youth are fully aware of their rights under the law and have keen perception of how to use them proactively. Most contemporary laws of this period were about education, welfare, and protection of needy and at-risk children including issues of prostitution, drugs, and trafficking.

Policy for improvement of children and youth focus on a five step process: 1) development of rules, policies, and laws to address minors’ problems and to make them congruent with international law, 2) improvement of the equity process regarding children’s rights, 3) advocating for full implementation of the law, 4) creating awareness and compliance of laws by understanding issues and developing co- responsibility among public institutions representing the welfare of minors, and 5) adapting current laws and policy to fit current situations.

Agencies responsible for compliance of policies are the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, The Research Institution, The Private Development Organization, Local Administration Organization, Local Government Organizations including private supporting agencies, mass media, family and private business organizations.

Religion

Hinayana Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand. There is complete freedom of religion in Thailand. All religions including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths are practiced and protected by the constitution. Buddhism is the faith of choice for 11

95 percent of the population. Muslims represent 4 percent, 0.5 percent Christians, with Hindus, Sikhs and other religions also being represented.

Despite the fact that Buddhism is the faith of the majority, both the King and the Government uphold and support all religions accepted by the people. Amidst a rich diversity of beliefs, people of Thailand have always lived together in relative peace and harmony.

Buddhism: As long ago as the 3rd century BC, Buddhism was practiced in Nakhom Pathom, the ancient capitol of the region. Its initial beginnings had a strong impact on others in the region and frequently was chosen as the state religion of many ethnic groups, particularly in the Dvaravati period. Buddhism is a religion of tolerance and patience that has served the Thai society well by blending into the sense of tranquility and freedom coveted in the emerging culture. Buddhism provides a set of philosophical values that are adaptable to individual and group needs.

Muslim: Other than Buddhism, the Muslim religion is Thailand’s largest minority religion. Most Muslims live in the southern provinces including Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun. Compared to Buddhism, the Muslim religion is relatively new to the region, having been introduced during the 13th century through trading and exploration from the middle east. Thailand shares its southern border with Malaysia, and many Thai Muslims are of Malay descent.

Christianity: Catholic missionaries transported the Christian religion from Europe to the Thai peninsula during the 16th and 17th century. Over the course of the next several hundred years Catholicism was joined by other Christian faiths including Presbyterians, Baptists, and Seventh-day Adventists. Although representing only a fraction of the overall Thai religious community, Christians currently are represented throughout the Kingdom and are known for their support of children’s causes in education and welfare issues.

Hinduism: Hinduism is represented in Thai culture with Brahman shrines which are shared by Buddhists and Hindus. Mostly represented in the Bangkok area, the Hindu religion operates both shrines and schools using the Thai education multilingual curriculum model, which includes Hindi, Sanskrit, and English.

Sikhism: The Sikh religion is a very small minority of Thailand’s religious community, worshiping at only two temples in the Bangkok area. The strength of the Sikh religious community is known in Thailand for its support of many charitable causes including a school for children of poverty and support for senior citizens. Sikhs are well known for providing needed support of individuals regardless of race, religion, or caste.

The Institutions of Religion provide religious education for children and young people divided into the following types of education: 1. Pre-primary education. Education is provided for young children in training centers throughout the country. 2. Buddhism education on Sunday. Education is provided for children and young people about Buddhism, morals, ethics as well as core courses. The levels of 12

education are preparatory, beginning level, intermediate level and advanced level. 3. Study of Buddhist scriptures: Education is provided for monks, novices and the public. The curriculum is divided into 3 sections: the study of Buddhist Dharma scriptures, Pali, and formal education. 4. Buddhist university level education: There are 2 Institutions for training of Buddhist monks, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, and Mahamakut Buddhist University. 5. Islamic Training Centers: These centers provide Islamic training and teaching of mosque ethics. 6. Islamic schools: There are 2 types of education : Islam, core courses and vocational education (informal education) 7. Christian schools: In 1998, there were 2 schools in Bangkok with a total of 22 teachers and 101 students. 8. For Sikh schools: in 1998, there was one school in Bangkok.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect takes many forms and is prevalent throughout Thai society. It is reported that a total number of child workers in Thailand is more than 5 million as reported by the Human Resources Institute in Bangkok. Of that number, more than 600,000 are reported to be under the age of 14. This group of children works in the garment, gem, leather, shrimp and seafood industries, and in wood and rattan furniture plants. The recently improved economy has increased the problem by hiring greater numbers of child and youth workers.

Over the past 10 years, Thailand has developed services to support children who are continuously abused and neglected. The emphasis has been on developing academic knowledge by inviting specialists from foreign countries, conducting seminars, involving both government and private organizations, and creating new protective laws. Abuse is pervasive and continues to expand at an ever increasing rate. The complexity of the issue makes it difficult to find quick solutions. In some cases, issues are localized and do not involve the entire country, so issues-data are only relevant for certain regions and populations.

Child prostitution and trafficking continues as a difficult issue to resolve. The issue is widespread and includes children being sold or coerced into prostitution, orphaned children being used for sexual purposes, children sold to other countries by families or sex “brokers”, and abandoned children being used for sexual purpose.

Victimized children identified during the 1998-2000 period were assisted by the Department of Social and Welfare Development and Police Hospital. Records indicate that more than 6,000 children were reported as sexually abused during that period which was likely a small fraction of those who were actually abused. A Department of Contagious Disease Control poll found that during the 2000 year approximately 70,000 children were reported to be involved in prostitution. Most were girls, (65,992) but boys are increasingly being inducted into prostitution. Children who immigrate from other countries, often illegally, also bring demeaning methods of earning a living to 13

Thailand. Sex trade and begging are two of the most prevalent of these methods. Minors from Myanmar (Burma), Laos and China (Yunan), and Viet Nam were represented in 435 cases for 2002.

A countrywide poll conducted in 1999 found that of 7.6 million families, only approximately 63 percent had an intact family consisting of father, mother, and offspring. Poll results also indicated there were 470,000 orphans and 880,000 less than age 15 children who did not live with one or more parents.

The Research Institute of Population and Society located at Mahidol University estimated that there is an increase of orphaned children between the ages of 4-13 years who were victims of deceased parents due to AIDS. These orphaned children increased from 5,598 in 1996 to 115,471 in l997, to 235,155 in 1998, to 268,512 in l999. Orphans due to AIDS were 30,745 cases.

Data on neglected children from the Office of Health Status Care Centers for Government Hospitals found that the population of 0-5 abused and neglected children increased during the 1993-1998 period. For the period of 1996-1998 the number of neglected babies cared for in government hospitals rose 34 percent for the two year period.

Assistance for abused children in 1997-1999 included provision of foster and substitute families, return to biological families, assistance to homeless and beggar families, and support for child prostitutes. Data varies, but generally the numbers of these children increased substantially over the period.

Future Outlook

A rapidly changing world will affect Thai children and youth both in attitude and behavior as they continue to adapt to a changing global society in multiple ways:

1. Societal-cultural conflict will increase between Thai children and more traditional-conservative parents as children adopt more global values, ethics, and customs. 2. The movement away from a home-centered child care environment to a child care and school-centered socialized democratic environment will be cause for increased home adjustment. 3. Thailand’s school restructuring and reform policy of 1999-present encourages children and youth to develop personal and group knowledge and skill building using democratic and socially conscious teaching and learning. 4. Unlimited knowledge and information will force schools to adjust the teaching and learning process for children and youth so they can be free to access unlimited knowledge and information in their quest for success. 5. The labor market is changing and will increasingly require an information literate workforce. Work will change from labor intensive (today) to knowledge-and information-based, with the need to occupy newly emerging jobs but also to create them as entrepreneurship grows and matures. 14

6. Thai society will become less bureaucratic and more democratic requiring that children and youth earn respect as opposed to claiming their “rights”. This process will come when young persons aggressively pursue education and work in a values-oriented society. 7. Families will adjust to proactive child and youth support by teaching their children to build community support networks and enhance the concept of community. 8. Thailand will continue its commitments and agreements with the international community to build strong coalitions for the support and advancement of children and youth in human rights and rights and child and youth on the world stage.

The management and quality of child support and services will be monitored (audited) on the world stage alongside other countries that are also committed to changing a child’s world to make it a better place to live and become productive. The Thai government has the responsibility to move the process forward, but the effort will be stronger with better results when the world joins in their efforts. Involved organizations at all levels must review and adjust international criteria for attainment of a “world blueprint” in support of children and youth. Only when children around the world are fed, nurtured, supported, educated, loved, physically and mentally healthy, self reliant, and happy will the world realize the full potential of the human spirit and dedication to building a better place for all human beings.

In summary, continuing globalization will continue to have a major impact on the welfare of children and youth in Thailand. It is commonly understood that the world is increasingly becoming more “transparent,” because we are all connected more closely in time and function to issues including child welfare, economics, education, medicine, politics, etc. As collaboration increases across the world, Thai children will reap the benefits of best practices in child care, education, medical and dental care, and mental health care. The real effect will have maximum impact when increased Thai attention and support is directed squarely on children and youth issues. Government and private support is essential with a core of positive change starting at home with quality parenting and family support. A supportive home environment is the pivotal issue needed to move the Kingdom’s children forward into a brighter new millennium.

Resource Guide

1) Suggested Readings

Charoenwongsak Kriengsak. Scenario and Desirable Characteristics of Thai People: A Research Report. Bangkok: V.T.C. Communication, 2003. The focus of this research report was to survey the desirable characteristics of Thai people in the future while establishing congruence with the new economy and knowledge-based society.

Office of the Education Council. Educational Policy for Disadvantaged Child. Bangkok: Prix Whan Ltd., 2005. The document clarifies the significance of policy, definition and types of disadvantaged children, vision, objective, target, policy, strategy, and conditions for goal attainment.

Office of the Education Council. Strategies for Development of Gifted and Talented Child and Youth 2006-2016. Bangkok: Prim Dee Ltd., 2005. Provides an overview of various factors involving educational management for gifted and talented child and youth from past to present.

Office of the National Education Commission. Education in Thailand 2004. Bangkok: Amarin Printing and Publishing, 2004. Establishes an interesting overview of government administrative structure, society and economy, and the framework of education and the educational system.

Office of the National Education Commission. Educational Policy and Plan for Early Childhood (0-5 years) 2002-2006. Bangkok: Prix Whan Ltd., 2001. This document specifies the background, rationale and significance of childhood development, current situations and problems, vision, objectives, policy, target, strategies, and conditions for goal attainment.

Office of the National Education Commission. National Education Plan 2002-2016. Bangkok: Prix Whan Ltd., 2002. This plan documents goals to develop humanity to be productive, strong, and balanced within a vibrant society.

Yodmani, Suvit, Chair. Thailand into the 2000’s. The National Identity Board, Office of the Prime Minister, Bangkok: Amarin Printing and Publishing, 2000. Provides an in-depth overview of religion, education, arts, economy, government and politics, health, sports, and the near future.

2) Nonprint Resources

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). Research Library. [Online, February 2006] The National Research Council of Thailand Web Site , 2005. A national depository of research reports and theses collected from local universities and research organizations.

The National Statistical Office. NSO Thailand Official Statistics Provider, and Statistical Yearbook Thailand 2004. [Online, February 2006] The National Statistical Office, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Web Site This office collects, compiles, and disseminates basic statistical data, and serves as the statistical data bank of the country.

Virginia, J.S. Thailand Reference Sources. [Online, February 2006] University of California, Berkeley Web Site This resource includes an extensive reference collection of bibliographies, indexes, dictionaries, atlases, directories, statistical annuals and core works, as well as current issues of high-use periodicals.

3) Relevant Organizations

Government Organizations

Ministry of Culture Somdej Phra Pinko Road, Bangkok Noi Bangkok, Thailand, 10700 Tel. 66-0-2883-5355 Fax.66-0-2883-4574. Web Site www.culture.go.th The Religions Affairs Department, and the Office of the National Culture Commission are charged with religious, cultural, and historical issues.

Ministry of Education Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Dusit Bangkok, Thailand, 10300, Tel. 66-0-2280-4272, 2281-6350 Fax. 66-0-2628-5608. Web Site www.moe.go.th The Office of the Council of Education, Office of Fundamental Education Commission, Office of Higher Education Commission, and Office of Vocational Education Commission are commissioned with support and operation of the Nation’s educational enterprise.

Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Charoen Krung Road, Bangrak Bangkok, Thailand, 10500 Tel. 66-0-2238-5421-6 Fax. 66-0-2238-5423. Web Site www.mict.go.th The National Statistical Office compiles data and information on a variety of public-related issues and forums.

Ministry of Interior Atsadang Road, Phranakorn Bangkok, Thailand 10200 Tel. 66-0-2222-1141-55 Fax. 66-0-2226-1966, ext. 50204. Web Site www.moi.go.th 17

The Community Development Department, Public Disaster Prevention and Relief Department, and the Local Administration Department comprise this Ministry. It is responsible to support citizens in issues of public domain throughout Thailand.

Ministry of Justice Chaeng Wattana Road, Pakkred Nonthaburi, Thailand, 11120 Tel. 66-0-2502-6500 Fax. 66-0-2502-6884. Web Site www.moj.go.th The Ministry of Justice is centered around the Department of Rights, Protection and Liberties; the Department of Immigration; and the Department of Youth Observation and Protection. All issues of human justice are in the domain of this agency.

Ministry of Labour Mitmaitri Road, Dindaeng Bangkok, Thailand, 10400 Tel. 66-0-2245—5801, 0-2246-1520, 0-2232—1002-4 Fax. 66-0-2643-4457. Web Site www.mol.go.th The Ministry of Labour is comprised of the Departments of Employment, Skill Development, Labour, Protection and Welfare, and the Social Security Office. Each office assists citizens with employment related issues.

Ministry of Public Health Tiwanond Road, Meuang Nonthaburi, Thailand, 11000 Tel. 66-0-2590-1000, 0-2591-8300-9 Fax. 66-0-2590-1230. Web Site www.moph.go.th The Public Health Ministry is composed of the Departments of Medical Services, Disease Control, Mental Health, and Health. The Ministry is charged with supporting families and children for general wellness and for specific health issues.

Ministry of Science and Technology Rama VI Road, Ratchadhevi Bangkok, Thailand, 10400 Tel. 66-0-2246-0064 Fax. 66-0-2246-8106. Web Site www.most.go.th The Department of Science and Technology is designed to support new and emerging science and technology developments.

Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Viphavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok, Thailand 10900 18

Tel. 66-0-2612-8888 Fax. 66-0-2617-8335. Web Site www.m-society.go.th The Department of Social Development and Welfare, the Office of Women and Families, and the Office of the Protection of Children, the Elderly and the Disadvantaged all are charged with advocacy and support to those they serve.

Ministry of Tourism and Sports Rama 1 Wangmai Road, Pratumwan Bangkok, Thailand, 10330, Tel. 66-0-2214-1020 Fax. 66-0-2215-5942. Web Site www.mots.go.th Thailand’s Sports and Recreation Department and the Office of Tourism Development are responsible for promotion of the myriad opportunities in sports and recreation within the Kingdom.

Office of the Prime Minister Pissanulok Road, Dusit Bangkok, Thailand, 10300 Tel. 66-0-2280-3000 Fax. 66-0-2629-9262. Web Site www.thaigov.go.th Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board is responsible for the overall policy in all areas of national development.

Non-Government Organizations

Child Institute 2/1 Phayathai Road, Ratchadhevi Bangkok, Thailand, 10400 Tel. 66-0-2247-2566, ext. 3605 Fax. 66-0-2247-4135. Web Site www.childthai.org/eng.htm Child Institute is one of the three institutions under Foundation For Children. The institute commits itself to provide family support for infants and children from newborn to six years.

Duang Prateep Foundation (DPF) 34 Block 6, Art Narong Road, Phrakanong Bangkok, Thailand, 10110 Tel. 66-0-2249-4880, 0-2249-3553, 0-2671-4045-8 Fax. 66-0-2249-5254, 0-2249-9500. Web Site www.dpf.or.th The foundation works closely with Klong Toey and other economically depressed communities and area committees. The foundation is also increasingly active in rural areas of Thailand.

Foundation for Children 95/24 Phutta Monthon Road 4 Nakornprathom, Thailand, 73220 Tel. 66-0-2814-1481-7 Fax. 66-0-2814-0369. Web Site www.childthai.org The foundation strives to create positive and healthy child wellness for the children of Thailand

Foundation for Child Development (FCD) 143/109-111 Borom-Rachachonnani Road, Bangkok Noi Bangkok, Thailand, 10700 Tel. 66-0-2433-6292, 0-2884-6603 Fax. 66-0-2435-5281. Web Site www.iamchild.org The foundation aims to support child development in body, mind and spirit, and focuses on identifying and applying positive solutions to the challenges facing Thai children and youth.

Foundation for Children with Disabilities (FCD) 546 Lad Praw 47, Bangkapi Bangkok, Thailand, 10310 Tel. 66-0-2539-9706, 0-2539-2916 Fax. 66-0-2539-9958 Web Site www.hoytakpoolom.org The foundation commits itself to work with children with disabilities and their families.

National Council for Child and Youth Development (NCYD) 618/1 Makkasan Road, Ratchadhevi Bangkok, Thailand, 10400 Tel. 66-0-2255-9922, 0-2651-7033 Fax. 66-0-2254-7219. Web Site www.dordek.org The council serves as the coordination center for organizations responsible for promoting child and youth development.

The Rural Development Foundation C.P. Building Tower, 22nd floor 313 Silom Road, Bangrak Bangkok, Thailand, 10500 Tel. 66-0-2638-2727-9, 0-2638-2000, ext. 4167 Fax. 66-0-2638-2716. Web Site www.ikaset.com/Rural_html/Thai/index_thai.htm The foundation aims to honor H.M. King Bhumipol's governing strategies through support of public interest activities that promote careers, ethics and good citizenship 20

4) Selected Bibliography

Brown, Earl V., Jr. Thailand: Labour and the Law 2003. [Online, February 2006] Asian Labour Update Web Site .

Central International Agency: CIA. The World FactBook 2006. [Online, February 2006] Central International Agency Web Site .

Economics and Social Statistical Bureau. A Need Assessment of Development Capacity of Population 2003. Bangkok: Ministry of Information Technology, 2003.

GEsource World Guide. Demographics 2005. [Online February 2006] GEsource World Guide Web Site .

Helplinelaw.com. Labour Law in Thailand 2003-2005. [Online, September 2005] Helplinelaw.com Web Site

Jerrold, W.H. and Punpuing, S. Child Migrants and Children of Migrants in Thailand. [Online, March 2006] United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Web Site .

Mahidol University. “Population of Thailand 2006.” Mahidol Population Gazette. 15 (January 2006): 1.

Office of the Education Council. Education in Thailand 2004. Bangkok: Amarin Printing and Publishing Public Company Limited, 2004.

Office of the National Education Commission. Religious Statistics of Thailand 1999. [Online, September 2005] Office of the National Education Commission Web Site .

Office of the Prime Minister. National Youth Policy, and the Long-term Child and Youth Development Plan for 2002-2011 [Online, September 2005] Foundation for Children Web Site .

Office of the Prime Minister. Thailand into the 2000’S. Bangkok: Amarin Printing and Publishing Public Company Limited, 2000.

Office of the Prime Minister. National Youth Policy, and the Long-term Child and Youth Development Plan for 2002-2011: Situation and Trend of Children and Youth. [Online, September 2005] Foundation for Children Web Site .

Office of the Prime Minister. National Youth Policy, and the Long-term Child and Youth Development Plan for 2002-2011: Quality of Child and Youth. [Online, 21

September 2005] Foundation for Children Web Site .

Office of the Prime Minister. National Youth Policy, and the Long-term Child and Youth Development Plan for 2002-2011: Family Situation. [Online, September 2005] Foundation for Children Web Site .

Office of the Prime Minister. National Youth Policy, and the Long-term Child and Youth Development Plan for 2002-2011: Strategies for Developing Family and Community. [Online, September 2005] Foundation for Children Web Site .

Office of the Prime Minister. Child Labor. Bangkok: National Statistical Office, 2003.

Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection and Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups. Child Situation 2003. [Online, September 2005] Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection and Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups Web Site .