According to a large national survey, Thailand is experiencing a rapid rise in obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
The latest National Health Survey (NHES) shows that Thailand is facing deteriorating public health trends that could lead to a resurgence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the coming years.
Health experts warn that early prevention, particularly among young people, is essential to limit long-term health and economic repercussions.
A national survey with alarming results
Patient and his doctor.
Dr. Wichai Aekplakorn, head of the community medicine department at Ramathibodi Hospital Faculty of Medicine (Mahidol University), presented the survey results on Friday, November 7.
This study was conducted in collaboration with Thai Health and the Health Systems Research Institute.
Conducted between August 2024 and April 2025, it collected data from 30,057 participants nationwide, focusing on four major risk factors for NCDs:
- obesity
- hypertension
- high total cholesterol
- diabetes
Obesity, diabetes, hypertension: a widespread increase
Obesity in Thailand.
The results show a sharp increase in all indicators compared to the 2004 data.
Obesity jumped to 45%, compared to 28.6% previously, while hypertension rose from 22% to 29.5%.
High cholesterol levels increased from 16.5% to 19.8%, and diabetes from 6.6% to 10.6%.
It is alarming to note that 27% of people with diabetes are still undiagnosed and that nearly half of those with hypertension are unaware of their condition.
See: Looming crisis in Thailand: rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Young people are particularly affected by chronic diseases
Child eating junk food in Thailand. Photo: United Nations.
Obesity is now more common among people aged 15 to 34, while high cholesterol peaks in the 45-59 age group.
Metabolic syndrome affects 28.4% of Thais and is increasing in all age groups.
In total, it is estimated that 6.1 million Thais have diabetes, 17.5 million have hypertension and 5.7 million have prediabetes.
See: One in ten Thai children is obese
Alcohol, tobacco and sedentary lifestyle: increasing risk factors
Young Thais drink beer in a restaurant. Photo: Pantip.
Dr. Roengrudee Patanavanich, also of Ramathibodi Hospital, said that lifestyle factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, are driving the rise in NCDs.
Although traditional smoking has declined from 25.3% in 2004 to 18.5%, e-cigarette use has almost tripled since 2020, reaching 2.8% in 2025.
The survey estimates that there are 60,000 electronic cigarette users aged 10 to 14 and 840,000 those aged 20 to 29.
See: In Thailand, children spend 755 euros per year on electronic cigarettes
Excessive alcohol consumption increased from 10.9% in 2015 to 12.9%, while 42.6% of respondents reported not getting enough physical activity, compared to 30% previously.
- Obesity, diabetes and hypertension are increasing sharply in Thailand.
- Young adults are now among those most affected.
- Tobacco, alcohol and lack of physical activity are aggravating factors.
See also:
Thailand tackles carbs to tackle chronic diseases
HIV alert in Thailand: thousands of new cases among young people
Instant noodles dangerous for health, says Thai FDA
Thailand faces mental health crisis
Thailand: Doctors Overworked by Free Healthcare System, Can AI Help?
Source: Bangkok Post
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5 comments
Diabetes in Thailand?
I'm speechless!
In Thailand, everyone sees it: people eat often, but move little.
In massage parlors as in offices, meals follow one another, but physical activity remains rare.
Official figures on obesity, diabetes or hypertension confirm an alarming trend, but the real challenge is no longer to measure the problem: it is to respond to it.
The country lacks spaces for walking, running or cycling.
Bike lanes are virtually non-existent, sidewalks are impassable, and roads are dangerous. Sport is still perceived as a luxury leisure activity, not as a pillar of public health.
However, every age group could rediscover the taste for movement if society gave itself the means to do so.
At school, half an hour of real activity should be introduced daily, instead of formal exercises.
In cities, create pedestrian zones, vibrant parks, and safe cycling routes. In businesses, encourage active breaks and walking within the company.
And for older people, supporting walking or tai chi clubs that combine health and social connection.
Changing this requires more than just money: it requires a clear political will, and a new culture of the body.
Movement is not an option, it is the primary medicine of the 21st century.
Surprisingly enough, this article does not mention junk food.
Goodbye traditional dishes and hello burgers, pizzas and Coca-Cola!
The same phenomenon affects many other countries around the world.
One thing is for sure, young people are getting fat thanks to the new hamburger vendors.
Kebabs coming soon?
Good morning,
I am sorry to read all this about Thailand.
I was there as a tourist in August and September and I wholeheartedly support you in finding a solution to these floods.
Thailand and its people have a very generous heart and a culture that I admire.
As well as Buddhists.
It is a beautiful and wise country.
I recommend supporting it and visiting it.
I am thinking of you very much during this difficult time with the floods.
Caprunca thanks all the Thai men and women for having so kindly received me and my son in Thailand.