Youth in contemporary Thailand: results from the Family and Youth Survey.

The stratified systematic random sampling design results in a completed weighted and analyzed sample size of 2180 youth aged 15-24 years of age in Thailand (1087 males and 1092 females). Interviews for this Family and Youth Survey in late 1993 cover the following topics: background demographic and socioeconomic characteristics family relations help from the family and to the family self image and attitudes family formation leisure and social networks outside the family health sexual experience and household characteristics. Over 40% were aged 15-19 years about 33% were aged 19-21 years and 25% were aged 22-24 years. Over 75% of males and about 80% of females lived in rural areas. About 33% were students and most were Buddhists. Under 66% lived with both parents. More males than females lived with both parents. About 10% lived with a mother only. Over 33% lived in agricultural households. About 60% lived in households with land for earning a living. Almost 33% received income from wage labor. The rest received income from a variety of sources. Household income was viewed as potentially lower than actual income. Closer emotional ties appeared between children and their mother. About 66% reported no relationship problems with any family members. The majority of youth reported enjoying a great deal of freedom. Males had more freedom in courting and dating while females had greater freedom to spend money. About 80% or more of out-of-school youth did not have more than a lower junior high level education. Urban youth were better educated. Gender differences in education were small. School dropping out occurred due to family or poverty problems educational advantages for other family members and personal problems. Females cited family problems more often. The better educated came from households engaged in self-employment or government service. Much income was spent on recreation and drinking. Females were more engaged in house work. Close friends were small in number. Courting began early and was initiated by the male. Lack of mental well-being was more common for females urban youth and out of school youth. Knowledge of AIDS prevention was weak. Substance abuse was primarily alcohol and tobacco related.