Bangkok: The government is accelerating solutions to the problem of teenage pregnancy, bringing together families and schools to create a protective shield after the number of children aged 10-14 seeking advice from the 1663 hotline and online channels has increased to 46,893.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, deputy government spokeswoman, revealed that data from the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, highlight an increase in the birth rate among the age group of 10-14 years. The rate has risen to 0.93 per thousand people in 2024, surpassing both the previous year's rate of 0.77 and the UN target of no more than 0.7 per thousand people.
The government has taken steps to address this issue by enhancing sex education and promoting appropriate contraception. Efforts also include expanding access to health services and counseling for teenagers, with a focus on family and community involvement. The use of online media and social platforms is being leveraged to educate young people, complemented by counseling services accessible via the 1663 hotline.
In 2024, the number of teenagers aged 10-14 seeking advice on unplanned pregnancies through online channels and hotlines rose to an average of 128 inquiries per day, compared to 44,574 total inquiries in 2023. The primary causes of unintended pregnancies in this age group include a lack of knowledge about sex education and instances of sexual abuse.
To address these issues, the government has implemented urgent measures such as introducing proactive sex education in schools and families, expanding counseling channels via social media, promoting safe contraception, and developing programs to help teen mothers pursue education and careers. These measures aim to prevent systemic problems and provide at-risk girls with better futures.
"The government recognizes the severity of the problem of unplanned teenage pregnancy and is committed to systematically and seriously solving it by expediting preventive, protective, and assistance measures through cooperation from all sectors, including families, schools, and relevant agencies," stated Ms. Sasikarn. The initiative focuses on expanding access to sex education, contraception, and comprehensive counseling services, allowing young people to make informed decisions and seek advice from the 24-hour hotline 1663.