A new wave of research and storytelling is challenging longstanding perceptions of what it means to be a father in 21st-century Thailand, as highlighted by the recently launched book “Modern Fatherhood.” Drawing on the lived experiences of diverse fathers across Asia, the publication captures the evolving landscape of paternity, masculinity, and emotional connection—issues gaining traction in Thai society as traditional gender roles shift and families confront new realities.
For generations, Thai fathers were commonly expected to act as primary breadwinners and authority figures, often keeping emotional distance from their children. But as socioeconomic pressures and cultural influences change, fathers in urban and rural Thailand are increasingly reimagining their roles to include active caregiving, emotional vulnerability, and deeper engagement in their children’s lives. This trend parallels similar transformations in other parts of Asia, brought into the spotlight by the narratives compiled in “Modern Fatherhood,” published by Assouline and covered recently by Tatler Asia.
Experts in Thai family sociology note that, in recent years, there has been a gradual yet meaningful move away from the image of the distant patriarch. According to a lecturer in gender studies at a leading Bangkok university, “Thai fathers today face an environment shaped by globalization, the Internet, and increased gender equality discourse. There is an openness—although sometimes met with resistance—for men to express affection, admit vulnerability, and share childcare responsibilities with mothers.”
Recent studies underscore these shifts. According to data from Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, the proportion of Thai fathers reporting daily involvement in their children’s upbringing rose from 27% in 2014 to nearly 40% in 2023. These changes are also reflected in social media conversations: Thai influencers and celebrities have openly documented their paternal journey, normalizing images of hands-on dads who cook, change diapers, and participate in school activities. Meanwhile, government initiatives such as the “Smart Dad” program led by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security have launched campaigns encouraging fathers to take paternity leave and attend parenting workshops.
The stories collected in “Modern Fatherhood” illuminate the diversity of fatherhood experiences—from single fathers navigating stigma to stay-at-home dads, fathers in same-sex relationships, and those balancing tradition and modernity. While the book focuses on fathers across Asia, its themes resonate deeply within Thailand: the struggles to communicate with children, to provide both financially and emotionally, and to resist the inertia of “old man” stereotypes that still linger in some families.
One Thai pediatrician who contributed expert commentary to the book notes that increased father-child involvement is linked to better outcomes for child development, including higher emotional intelligence and improved academic performance—a finding supported by a systematic review in Child: Care, Health and Development showing similar trends across Asian cultures.
Still, barriers persist. Cultural expectations, workplace inflexibility, and household financial pressures mean that many Thai fathers struggle to achieve work-life balance or may feel self-conscious in public caregiving roles. “The biggest challenge for fathers in Thailand is overcoming the idea that hands-on parenting is only for mothers,” says a family counselor from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. “There is progress, but support systems—such as flexible work policies and community resources—need to catch up.”
Historical context reveals that Thai fatherhood has never been a monolith. In rural areas, fathers have often shared in agricultural labor and childcare, especially when migration for work is less feasible. Buddhist teachings on loving kindness and joint parental responsibility have also long influenced Thai familial values, although the practice of these values sometimes conflicts with imported models of masculinity.
Looking ahead, researchers believe that narratives like those collected in “Modern Fatherhood” will play an important role in shaping public attitudes and policy. The growing popularity of “baby rooms” in public spaces, increased discussion of men’s mental health, and visibility of progressive male role models in Thai media are seen as signs that the redefinition of fatherhood is gaining momentum.
For Thai readers interested in supporting this positive transition, there are practical steps to take: starting conversations about parenting roles within families, supporting workplace paternity leave policies, joining community parenting workshops, and modeling open communication with children. As noted by a spokesperson from the Ministry of Social Development, “Supporting modern fatherhood isn’t just about changing men—it’s about building healthier families and a more equitable society.”
For more stories and insights on the changing face of fatherhood, see the full feature at Tatler Asia and explore academic resources such as Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research and UNICEF Thailand’s parenting initiatives.