A growing body of global and local research is highlighting a worrying trend: the vast majority of children in Thailand, much like their peers in Hong Kong and around the world, are failing to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This shortfall—revealed by the latest studies and echoed by Thai education and health officials—raises concerns about the lasting impacts on academic performance, physical health, and mental wellbeing among the nation’s youth.
In Hong Kong, a recent South China Morning Post feature recounted the story of a secondary school student at Hong Kong International School who transformed his sleep patterns, focus, and grades after committing to daily runs and basketball games. His experience, though rare among his city’s teens, is emblematic of findings by the University of Hong Kong, which reports that over 90% of children do not reach the 60-minute daily activity threshold (SCMP).
This pattern is mirrored in Thailand. According to a 2022 comprehensive assessment, only 27% of Thai children and youth meet the minimum recommended amount of daily activity. The behavioral indicators, such as time spent in sedentary activities or screen time, are graded “poor” or worse by international standards (ScienceDirect; PMC; PubMed). Boys tend to be more active than girls, while students living in urban areas (especially in Bangkok and major cities) show higher inactivity rates compared to those in rural provinces.
The significance of this gap extends far beyond athletic prowess—physical activity is crucial for children’s mental focus, academic achievement, and lifelong health. The WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF emphasize that regular movement not only strengthens bones and muscles and maintains a healthy weight, but also boosts cognitive function, emotional wellbeing, and social development (WHO; CDC).
Expert opinions reinforce these findings. A certified personal trainer and youth coach cited in the Hong Kong report noted, “Exercise can help manage growing pains, strengthen and stabilize joints to prevent injuries, as well as help adolescents regulate sleep.” Participation in physical activities also provides opportunities to develop critical leadership, teamwork, and time-management skills. Notably, a recent randomized trial found that regular moderate exercise may improve core symptoms of ADHD in young people, supporting the broad consensus among health scientists (PubMed).
In Thailand, educators and officials are becoming more vocal about the need for change. An official from the Department of Health has stated publicly that Thai children are facing a rising risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases, in part because of reduced physical activity and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, often exacerbated by heavy study schedules and a digitalized daily routine (WHO Thailand story).
The structure of Thai schools is a double-edged sword: while some institutions integrate physical education lessons and after-school sports, academic pressures—especially in private and elite institutions—can crowd out opportunities for movement. A research team at a university in Southern Thailand examined over 1,400 students and found a strong correlation between daily exercise not just and physical health, but also enhanced creativity and classroom participation (Walailak University research summary).
The solution, say experts, is to normalize physical activity as an integral part of the school day and family life. Employees of the Ministry of Education recommend “active school models,” such as incorporating short movement breaks between classes, facilitating active transport (walking or cycling to school), and making PE classes more engaging. International studies support this approach, citing improvements in school attendance, reduced sick days, and better academic outcomes among physically active students (NCBI; PR Newswire).
For parents in Thailand, the challenge is how to break the cycle of busyness and screen time. Personal trainers and pediatricians recommend starting small: walking or cycling to school, taking stairs instead of lifts, or turning daily routines—such as dog walks and household chores—into opportunities for play and exertion. Making activities social by involving friends or family helps, as does celebrating achievements (such as step counts or game wins) rather than focusing solely on high-performance sports.
Cultural context also matters. Sports traditional to Thai society, from sepak takraw and Muay Thai to badminton in neighborhood parks, can offer enjoyable and accessible entry points for less active children. Nationwide mass participation events, such as the annual National Children’s Day, offer reminders of the importance of movement. Yet true success will only come from persistent, daily habits rather than one-off events. Historical and regional differences also play a part: rural children, who still walk or cycle longer distances to school or participate in household farm work, tend to be more physically active than urban peers. However, modernization threatens to erode these natural forms of exercise.
The future is not without hope. Policymakers are increasingly aware of the crisis, and some pilot initiatives—for example, “active breaks” programs and upgraded playgrounds in Bangkok public schools—are being trialed. Public health campaigns on TV and social media urge kids (and parents) to “Move More, Sit Less.” Still, progress is slow and uneven, and more coordinated effort across ministries, schools, and communities is needed to make daily exercise a non-negotiable part of every Thai child’s life.
For Thai parents, teachers, and community leaders, the message is clear: Encourage children to move every day, not as a chore, but as an enjoyable celebration of health, learning, and togetherness. Regular activity doesn’t have to be expensive or formal—it just needs to become a regular part of family and school routines. Setting a daily goal of 60 minutes, spread across walks, games, chores, and sport, can give every child the chance at better physical health, improved grades, and a happier childhood.
For more detailed information and actionable resources, readers are encouraged to consult Ministry of Public Health guidelines, the WHO’s factsheets, and school educational programs.
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