A new survey reported by The Japan Times shows a worrying drop in regular physical activity among Japanese adults. The trend has health experts and policymakers considering the potential long-term consequences for public well-being. While the study focuses on Japan, it resonates with evolving lifestyles across Thailand, where sedentary behavior and noncommunicable diseases are also on the rise.
The early-2025 survey points to fewer households maintaining daily exercise routines. Contributing factors include demanding work schedules, lingering effects of the COVID-19 era, crowded cities, and greater engagement with digital devices. Thailand faces similar patterns, with rising obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular risks prompting renewed attention from health authorities. Data from a leading national newspaper highlights these parallels.
In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health has issued warnings about declining activity levels, particularly among urban residents and younger populations. A 2023 assessment from a major health foundation showed only about 40% of Thais met the World Health Organization’s guidance of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, a share that has fallen since the pandemic era. Dr. Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, an epidemiologist at a prominent southern university, notes that urbanization, long work hours, and a digital-first culture contribute to an exercise deficit here as well.
The Japanese findings underscore issues that Thailand must also address. Remote work and growing screen time—from streaming dramas to long gaming sessions—have amplified inactivity. In Thailand, teenagers and office workers report higher screen time and reduced physical activity since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Research in the Thai Journal of Public Health suggests social isolation and stress during the pandemic eroded motivation to exercise, potentially cementing unhealthy habits across communities.
Experts from both countries emphasize urgency. A health policy scholar from a major Tokyo university warned that reduced exercise drives higher healthcare costs and lowers productivity and quality of life. Thai health advocates echo this concern, stressing that unchecked trends could accelerate chronic disease in younger generations.
Culturally, Thais value community-focused activities such as swimming, running, and group sports. Rapid urban growth, however, has strained access to safe, welcoming public spaces for recreation in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A 2024 municipal survey highlighted a lack of parks and green areas as a barrier to regular activity, a challenge echoed in Japan’s urban debates about livable cities.
Historically, both societies promoted active, communal lifestyles through school sports, walking groups, and festival activities. Modern work-life pressures and modernization have reshaped daily routines, reducing opportunities for collective physical activity.
Looking ahead, experts warn that without proactive measures, more Thais may face obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues. A comprehensive strategy is needed—public investment in safe recreation spaces, workplace wellness programs, and nationwide campaigns to normalize movement. Initiatives such as national cycling events and public park development aim to revive active living, but require broader participation across demographics.
For readers balancing busy schedules, small, sustainable habits can accumulate meaningful benefits. Consider a daily 30-minute walk, taking stairs instead of elevators, or joining local fitness groups. Families can encourage children to play actively, protecting the next generation from inactivity-related health risks.
The cost of physical inactivity is a growing concern in both Japan and Thailand. By learning from regional patterns and taking targeted actions—individually and in communities—Thailand can advance toward healthier, more active living.
If you’re seeking guidance, Thailand’s public health resources offer practical activity recommendations and community programs designed to help people get moving.