Living with Teenagers in Thailand

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Living with Teenagers in Thailand

Below is information on:

The Thai government has been addressing these issues and has made progress in educating its citizens on issues involving safe sex, drugs and HIV.

Thais are legally considered minors until they are 20.

Youth Organisations, Hobbies & Clubs

Foreign teenagers can find a wide selection of activities to keep them occupied in Thailand. Among the more popular activities for young people in Thailand are diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, cycling, football, tennis, golf, horseback riding and karaoke.

Most international schools run summer schools and activity clubs for children and adolescents. Contact the relevant school for exact information.

British Council

The British Council in Bangkok, as part of a group of 20 nations, has organised a project for 14 to 19 year olds, using sports to help them develop their leadership skills.

• For further information: Click here

Scouting in Thailand

The scout movement has a long tradition in Thailand for youngsters from 8 to 25 years, and is even part of the school curriculum at government schools.  

• For further information: Click here

Muay Thai Boxing

Muay Thai Boxing is a favourite sport among Thai teens. Foreign teenagers and young adults have also shown a great interest in this national sport. Each province has a selection of Muay Thai gyms to choose from.

The World Bank Youth Club

The World Bank Youth Club has a programme called Youth's Care for the Environment for young people who are concerned with environmental issues. It also organises exchange programmes with international students.

• The World Bank Office, Bangkok
  At: 30th Floor, Siam Tower, 989 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Tel: 02 686 8300
  Fax: 02 686 8301
  Open: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00
  Website

Youth Ministries & Volunteer Opportunities

There are a number of foreign youth ministries operating in Thailand.

• In Krabi, an organisation called YWAM (Youth With a Mission) is a group of young foreigners and Thai locals dedicated to bringing the gospel to villages in the surrounding area. The organisation is always in need of volunteers
• Child's Dream is a charity for helping underprivileged children in the Mekong Sub-Region, which includes Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Teens can volunteer for this organisation by contacting them through the website: Click here
• The Wildlife Rescue Centre is dedicated to helping the wildlife in Thailand. Teenagers and young adults are encouraged to volunteer

Exchange Programmes

There are many opportunities for foreign students to study in Thailand. Companies and schools are offering foreign students an opportunity to expand their cultural world outlook.

• Global Quest Thailand provides semester study programmes throughout Thailand for high school seniors.
• For more information: Click here
• PlanetEdu offers foreign students an opportunity to live with a Thai family or on school grounds and participate in a summer programme that increases their cultural knowledge while providing them with English instruction in a variety of subjects including Culture Studies, Ecology, English, Environmental Studies, History, Language Studies and Politics.
• For more information: Click here
• Big Blue Marble has an extensive listing of home exchange and educational exchange programmes in Thailand

Teenagers and Alcohol

In Thailand alcoholic drinks may not be bought by anyone under 18, but there is no minimum age for the consumption of alcohol. Teenagers will normally be required to show proof of age when buying alcohol.

The legal age for entering a club or a disco is 18 years. However, most clubs only allow those aged 20 and over to enter. Young-looking Thais are typically asked for their ID when attempting to enter a bar, club or disco and foreign teenagers, if asked, are required to provide proof of age.

Teenagers and Drugs

Drugs used in Thailand are predominantly cannabis and methamphetamines, locally known as ya baa or "crazy pills". Cocaine, heroin and ecstasy are also used.

A number of violent crimes have been committed while the perpetrators were high on drugs. There are also numerous auto accidents reported in Thailand involving teenagers using drugs. Drugs education is included in schools and students learn about types, compositions and effects as well as the consequences of taking drugs.

Those caught with illegal drugs face harsh penalties. Most drug offences will result in a severe fine and more than likely, jail time. Drug trafficking can result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

• Further information on the drug problem in Thailand from the Bangkok Post: Click here

Teenage Pregnancy

There are sex education programmes in Thai schools and the Thai government has a very successful AIDS/HIV awareness campaign.

Thai law states that the age of sexual consent is 15. If prostitution is involved, the age of consent is 18 years. However the laws in Thailand can be interpreted to allow prosecution for sex with someone under 18.

The Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand has a number of clinics throughout the country and can give advice on family planning issues.

• Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT)
  At: 8 Soi Vibhavadi-Rangsit 44, Vibhavadi-Rangsit Rd, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
  Tel: 02 941 2320 / 02 941 2322
  Fax: 02 941 2338
  e-mail
  Website (in Thai)

In Thailand abortion is illegal except in the following cases:

• To save life
• To preserve physical or mental health
• If the pregnancy is due to rape or incest

Only a fully qualified medical practitioner is allowed to carry out the termination and it is not available at all hospitals. A legal procedure has to be followed in order to get the necessary paperwork to submit to the doctor.

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Termination of Pregnancy/Abortion in Thailand

HIV/AIDS

The Thai government has introduced measures to inform teenagers about the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. In most major provinces there is a campaign for safe sex and routine distribution of literature on teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Driving

In Thailand, the minimum age to drive any type of motor vehicle is 18 years old and a driving licence is required. Drivers and passengers on motorbikes must wear crash helmets.

The Department of Land Transport Office (DLT) processes all of Thailand's driving licences. To complete the paperwork to get a licence, go to the local district office.

• For a list of local offices in Bangkok and throughout Thailand: Click here
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Getting a Thai Driving Licence

The following paperwork is required by the DLT with copies:

• Passport with valid non-immigrant visa (tourist visa is not accepted)
• Work Permit or Certificate or Letter of Residence issued by Thai Immigration or the Embassy. The work permit must be valid and the letter or certificate no more than 30 days old
• Medical certificate no more than 30 days old
• Two photographs, 1x1 inch, no more than six months old
• Fee

Drink Driving

Thailand allows 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. However for drivers who have held their licence for less than five years the limit is 0.2 grams per litre of blood.

Drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol are fined a maximum of THB 10,000 and given a three-month jail term.

Youth Employment

Minimum working age and wages

The legal age at which teenagers can start work is 15. There are restrictions on the length of time those under 18 can work. However, it is still relatively common for children to work on the family's agricultural smallholding or for the family's small business. It is not uncommon to see very young children selling flowers or souvenirs to tourists late into the night.

There is a minimum wage in Thailand which is slightly higher in Bangkok than in the provinces. This is subject to change and should be checked.

Unemployment

Overall unemployment in Thailand was just under 1.5 percent in 2008. There is no government assistance available for unemployed teenagers.

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Job Seeking and Unemployment in Thailand

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