A new report from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reveals concerning trends in Thailand’s public health landscape, with alcohol consumption rising and a troubling increase in smoking among younger individuals, despite an overall decline in tobacco use.
The NESDC’s first-quarter 2025 report shows a 2% rise in alcohol consumption compared to the previous year, while tobacco use decreased by just 0.8%. However, the surge in alcohol intake and the growing number of younger smokers stand out as significant concerns.
According to data from the National Statistical Office, 35.2% of Thais aged 15 and older, or about 20.9 million people, consumed alcohol in 2024, up from 28% in 2021, which represented 16 million people. The report identifies five provinces with the highest rates of heavy drinking, where more than 12% of the population drinks alcohol 3-4 times a week. These provinces—Buriram, Ratchaburi, Tak, Ang Thong, and Uttaradit—are at greater risk for alcohol-related health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, as well as risky behaviors like drunk driving and domestic violence.
While the number of overall smokers in Thailand has decreased, the latest data from 2024 shows an increase in the number of regular smokers aged 15 and above, rising to 9.77 million from 9.42 million in 2017. The majority are male, but the number of female smokers, though smaller, has also increased, with 320,000 women identified as regular smokers.
These trends present significant challenges for public health authorities, who are working to address rising alcohol consumption and prevent the further normalization of smoking among young people.
Related Topics
