Thai Health Fund Launches Youth Wellness Campaign

Today's teenagers face mounting pressures from peers, the online world, and their surroundings, including alcohol, vaping, gambling, and drugs—often finding it difficult to refuse. Although a 2024 wellness survey of Thai youth aged 15–24 found declining trends in smoking and drinking, new smokers, online gambling, family violence, and sexual abuse remain pressing issues requiring resilience-building so young people can think critically and choose their own path.

In response, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation partnered with networks to launch the 'Good Life Vibe Good' campaign, opening a space for youth to exchange experiences and adopt safe, risk-free living practices. The campaign reflects a new generation's understanding that being cool and living well extend beyond looks and style.

Pithaya Jinavat, vice-chairman of the Foundation's first planning committee, revealed a survey of 2,035 Bangkok and suburban youth conducted September 8–14, 2025. The findings showed 54.8% believe knowing how to refuse bad influences is part of being cool, while 86.2% see avoiding risk factors as stylish. However, alcohol and cigarettes remain accessible, with peer pressure and stress driving youth involvement. Many respond by direct refusal or suggesting alternative activities, highlighting the importance of having appealing options.

The 'Power of Choice' forum reflects the Foundation's approach: creating environments free of risk factors and supporting diverse activities—sports, arts, and performance—with youth designing them alongside adults. Adults should listen and support experimentation rather than dictate.

"Children will tell you what doesn't work and design solutions themselves," said Pithaya. "Adults must be patient, let them try, reduce control, and learn alongside them. What adults experienced may not fit today's world."

Actor Toh Thanapop Leeratanakajorn shared lessons from growing up in a high-expectation family, nearly missing his own identity before acting became transformative. He urged youth not to see unfound life goals as failure, only to keep searching and learning. Navigating teenage risks requires mindfulness, self-directed choices, and knowing when enough is enough.

"Not knowing what you want doesn't mean you've failed—just don't stop walking or searching," he said. "Friendships and environments aren't wrong; what matters is being aware, choosing consciously, and knowing your limits."

The 'Good Life Vibe Good' campaign is thus a space for the Foundation and partners to hear youth voices and co-create environments and activities addressing real-life challenges, helping teenagers discover their own sustainable and socially beneficial paths.