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Thai teens' alcohol consumption has stabilised, mirroring a global trend of reduced alcohol consumption among the younger generation. Experts credit this shift to changing social values and the fact that many teens live with their parents longer, fostering environments with stricter rules.

 

A recent survey revealed that 72.3% of Thai teens support alcohol-free activities, especially during the Buddhist Lent period. This showcases an increased awareness of health and the benefits of leading alcohol-free lifestyles.

 

The Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in partnership with the Youth Network for Risk Factor Reduction, hosted a seminar titled "Active Youth: The Coolest Choice is to Stop Drinking," aiming to steer young people towards healthier life choices. Rungarun Limlahapan, director of ThaiHealth's Office of Risk Factor Control, highlighted ongoing efforts to promote safe living through community programmes and public awareness campaigns.

 

Initiatives are primarily focused on preventing alcohol initiation, reducing drink-driving incidents, and supporting high-risk groups, including children and women. Ms. Rungarun expressed her hope that this seminar will serve as a pivotal moment, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in promoting a healthier future.

 

Data from the National Statistical Office indicate a significant drop in alcohol consumption among Thais aged 15-24, from 34.7% in 2021 to 24.8% in 2024. Likewise, global youth drinking rates in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have also declined steadily since the late 1990s, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Dr Udomsak Sae-ngow, an associate professor at Walailak University, noted that changing social norms and more time spent with family, often under stricter rules, are significant contributors to this trend. However, he cautioned that Thailand's progress might falter if forthcoming government proposals to relax alcohol laws proceed without robust oversight.

 

"Some young people feel pressured to drink socially, especially at university," Dr Udomsak stated. He advocates for campaigns promoting the idea that socialising without alcohol is perfectly acceptable, ensuring that drinking isn't viewed as the sole route to fitting in with peers.

 

While Thailand celebrates this decline in teenage alcohol consumption, the country remains vigilant about potential setbacks. Maintaining strict laws and ensuring the continuous promotion of healthy lifestyles are paramount for lasting change.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-18

 

Of course, the kids have swapped alcohol to drugs  😎

Can only be a good thing, albeit many young uns are addicted to their phones/social media and have head issues. Growing up, one of the worst things about alcohol is peer pressure. If you’re not getting drunk with everyone else, you’re a bore, ostracised even. To the point where it’s not worth going out unless to get plastered. Good to see attitudes changing.  

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai teens' alcohol consumption has stabilised, mirroring a global trend of reduced alcohol consumption among the younger generation. Experts credit this shift to changing social values and the fact that many teens live with their parents longer, fostering environments with stricter rules.

While drug use increases .... 

Weird that teens or Thai "youth" is allowed to drink alcohol.

Alcohol is expensive in Thailand.

Maybe they just don't have the money to waste on it.

Of course it's stabilized and decreasing weed is now legal.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Experts credit this shift to changing social values and the fact that many teens live with their parents longer, fostering environments with stricter rules.

Yeah, Sure! Parents in Thailand are know especially for their incredible fostering environments and for having very strict rules. Also, the same parents are also known for their guidance and strength by showing the children a fantastic home environment without alcohol consumption.

And this garbage comes from experts??? Experts in what field?

Yea, right!  what a joke!🤣

Now instead are spending their money on supplements and drinks on Facebook that will make you rich or turn you into a model 🙄

I think this article should be renamed "Nanny state wishful thinking" .  All this reduced alcohol drinking due to government initiatives and governance. Really?? No mention of drugs as a possible substitute. All I'm reading is a bunch of academics trying to suck up to the government to gain favor and get  promotions at their institutions. 

 

 

Sounds like BS someone made up, where the hell does webfact get all these cock & bull stories from?

If kids are turning against alcohol it's likely due to taking up other drugs or having their family split apart (divorce etc) due to excessive drinking or drugs. It's surely got little to do with the drivel in this article. 

55555555555.

 

Ok, so this is the big news also in America about Gen Z drinking less Alcohol.

 

My kids are Gen Z and today I asked them about the "trend" of less alcohol being consumed by their friends.

 

The reply was:  "Yeah dad, of course, because we are doing more "coca" and do not need to drink that much".

 

I had to laugh and then warned them that <deleted> will happen to their heart if they play with the Bolivian Marching army.

 

So, the kids are all right, they are just replacing one for the other.

 

The reason K and Coca is so popular is correlated to the drop in alcohol consumption.

 

And there are other party favors coming up.  

4 minutes ago, alien365 said:

If kids are turning against alcohol it's likely due to taking up other drugs or having their family split apart (divorce etc) due to excessive drinking or drugs. It's surely got little to do with the drivel in this article. 

Facts.  The are all riding the "White Horse".

Reminds me of Saha B. Cohen (Borat) ...The youth in Asia (euthenasia). Entirely too funny!
 

 

 

None of my kids drink now!!!!.............Which considering their teens and early adulthood is no bad thing.

 

Yet they will still go out "to the pub" for a night out?

Absolutely true younger kids drink less. Even during the full moon crowd rush we sell as many fresh juices as beers. 

I wonder how this would break out regionally. For some reason I don’t see many of the semi educated teens in rural Isaan giving up drink, particularly given the role models they are surrounded by. Perhaps it’s more true in Bangkok?

1 minute ago, wensiensheng said:

I wonder how this would break out regionally. For some reason I don’t see many of the semi educated teens in rural Isaan giving up drink, particularly given the role models they are surrounded by. Perhaps it’s more true in Bangkok?

 

 

True....I can't believe how much "whiskey" they can knock back.......and for how long they go at it.

they are all drinking Nam Kratom and smoking weed, alcohol is for losers 

Also this trend is pretty strong in Europe.

The reason for this is the big improvement in taste of non alcoholic drinks.

Alcohol free beer is a very big seller now and continues to be in big demand.

Contrary to what a lot of people believe not all kids are stoners or drinkers,

specially in the west the fines for drinking and driving are going up and who really needs a police record?

Kids do not always follow in their parents foot steps,many go against them and adopt opposite choices.

 

Teen pregnancies increasing or decreasing?

2 hours ago, grain said:

Sounds like BS someone made up, where the hell does webfact get all these cock & bull stories from?

That's a ask AI question for sure

Completely giving it up myself, going back to my roots, eating as healthy as possible and working out regularly, I don't like what 9 years of living here did to me.....and at 56, this might be my last chance to reverse things, at least before old age sucks the life out of me 🤪

On the other hand, sales of Rohypnol are up.......

Bolivian Bingo Dust, instead, I should think? 🤷‍♀️

6 hours ago, FlorC said:

Weird that teens or Thai "youth" is allowed to drink alcohol.

Alcohol is expensive in Thailand.

Maybe they just don't have the money to waste on it.

 

Maybe so down south , but where I lived in rural Lanna among the mountains, everyone could buy Lao Khao (white spirit) which at that time was 20 baht per litre!! It was sold in plastic bags with twisted elastic bands as fasteners. It was then poured into old Chang/Leo/Singha beer bottles. The primary school director in the neighbouring village operated an illicit still.

The no fun generation is coming. Nah- don't believe this. They either drink secretly or worse take drugs instead. Either way completely alcohol-free is not necessarily healthy. There are health benefits to drinking moderately, number one being reduced stress. Stress will age and kill you faster than any disease.

7 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Yeah, Sure! Parents in Thailand are know especially for their incredible fostering environments and for having very strict rules. Also, the same parents are also known for their guidance and strength by showing the children a fantastic home environment without alcohol consumption.

And this garbage comes from experts??? Experts in what field?

my granny use to let me have a glass of sherry at xmas time when i was 8 then i fond out where she hid it and for the rest of the war she blamed Hitler for bribing the Portguese distillarys for lowering the alcohol persentage down just to anoy her !

My friend group barely drinks, I feel like alcohol is very hit or miss with gen z. A lot of our generation habitually uses weed though. 

 

Also the glass of wine a day meme was a lie to sell you more product. If you can't have fun or relax without booze, there's something wrong with you.