University Launches Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program After Incident

A fourth-year university student's miscarriage in a dormitory bathroom on September 13, 2025, became a nationwide news story after she carried the remains by motorcycle to a temple seeking funeral rites. The case sparked widespread social debate and prompted Udon Thani Rajabhat University to invite speakers from Health Center 8 to conduct the Safe Love Smart Life workshop on September 23, aimed at developing life skills and preventing teen pregnancy among science faculty students. Assoc. Prof. Theerathwat Singhsiri, dean of the Faculty of Science, opened the training attended by 350 first-year students.

According to health officials, Udon Thani has recorded cases of girls as young as nine becoming pregnant, with the father aged 13. The data shows that 55.3% of teen pregnancies result from unintended sexual activity, often triggered by circumstances such as camping trips, cold weather, or school festivals. Officials noted that among decisions to become pregnant, 35.6% were intentional, with some girls deliberately seeking pregnancy to secure relationships. Teen pregnancy rates in Udon Thani among ages 10-14 declined from 20 cases in 2023 to 6 cases in 2025.

Health workers emphasized that teen pregnancy is preventable through education and careful decision-making. Common reasons for lack of contraception use include unplanned sexual encounters (55.3%) and sexual activity while intoxicated (20.5%). Officials reported that 64.5% of teen pregnancies were unintended, while 35.6% were deliberate. Consequences included school dropout (28.1%) and continued education in the same institution (27.3%). Counselors stressed that teenagers should value their bodies, understand the risks of sexually transmitted infections, and seek help if needed.