Two years ago, the Public Health Ministry changed its guidelines to confirm that the average Thai child was, in fact, getting taller. To mark World Obesity Day on March 4, the Department of Health released a report saying that not only are they taller, but they are also much bigger -- with one in 10 children aged under 15 found to be clinically obese.
The revelation, while hugely significant, shouldn't really come as a surprise. The figure roughly reflects the results of a 2018 study which found about 11.6% of Thais were obese, and over 40% were considered overweight. Thailand came in second, following Malaysia, in obesity rates within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
