#Exerciseguidelines

A surge of global and local research is putting the spotlight on a critical issue affecting Thai children: far too few are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, sparking concerns among health experts and educators about the long-term health consequences for the nation’s youth. International health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have long maintained that children and adolescents aged 5–17 should accumulate at least one hour per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise, predominantly through aerobic activities like running, cycling, and playing sports. Yet, recent figures suggest that a majority of Thai kids are falling below this crucial benchmark, with implications for their physical well-being, academic performance, and future medical costs.

A wave of global and local research highlights a troubling trend among Thai children: too few are achieving 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Health experts warn that this gap could raise future risks of obesity, diabetes, and weaker academic performance. International guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity each day, with aerobic activities like running, cycling, and sports playing a central role. In Thailand, urban living, screen time, and safety concerns compound the challenge of meeting these targets.