Rising Bullying Crisis Demands Family Action, Thai Health Officials Warn

Rising Bullying Crisis Demands Family Action, Thai Health Officials Warn

BANGKOK — Bullying has become more severe and is taking increasingly diverse forms across Thailand, with the nation ranking among the countries most affected by the problem, the Department of Medical Services announced on Tuesday. The warning, issued through the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, identified schools as the most common setting for bullying and stressed that the behaviour carries significant consequences for children’s physical and psychological development.

Dr Thanin Wechaphinan, deputy director-general of the Department of Medical Services, explained that bullying is behaviour intended to make another person feel ashamed, hurt or distressed, with perpetrators gaining satisfaction or enjoyment from the act. He said bullying can stem from psychological insecurity, personal complexes, family and environmental problems, a desire for acceptance or control, or having previously been bullied themselves. Several factors can contribute to the behaviour, including internal psychological issues, the surrounding environment and a lack of emotional skills. Bullying can also recur.

Four Distinct Forms of Bullying Identified

Dr Thanin said bullying can be divided into four main types: physical, verbal, social and cyberbullying. All forms can affect children of different ages, particularly those still undergoing important stages of development. Children’s psychological resilience also varies from one individual to another. While adults may view bullying as a minor problem, it can leave lasting emotional scars.

Signs that a child may be experiencing bullying include changes in behaviour, reluctance to attend school, depression and unhappiness. Parents and guardians should regularly talk with their children and spend time with them so they feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences. Recognising warning signs early can help parents intervene and reduce the risk of more serious problems in the future.

Age-Specific Patterns Emerge in Thai Schools

Dr Akom Chaweewirawatthana, director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, said bullying could occur at any age, although its forms tend to vary with children’s development. Young children commonly experience physical bullying, ranging from teasing and rough play to physical assault. Verbal bullying is more common among children in primary school, including mocking parents’ names, appearance, skin colour or personal insecurities.

Among teenagers, who are developing their identities, bullying often concerns personality, social status, values and possessions. Social bullying can also involve excluding someone from a peer group or spreading rumours intended to humiliate them. These patterns are familiar to teachers and parents across Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the Isaan region, where classroom dynamics often mirror broader social pressures.

Cyberbullying Raises Legal and Safety Concerns

Cyberbullying is another major concern among teenagers, Dr Akom said. It can include spreading false information, posting photographs or videos without permission, and making abusive comments online. Such behaviour can harm victims and may also violate Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act, he added. Parents should therefore pay particular attention to their children’s online activities.

This warning carries special weight for Thai families, where smartphones and social media have become central to teenage life. From Bangkok condominiums to provincial homes in Khon Kaen or Udon Thani, children increasingly navigate digital spaces without adult supervision. The department’s emphasis on the Personal Data Protection Act signals that bullying is no longer just a schoolyard issue but a legal one as well.

Practical Guidance for Thai Parents and Guardians

Dr Sirirat Ularatinont, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, said parents could identify whether a child was being bullied by watching for changes in everyday behaviour, talking with the child and spending time together as a family. Children who are being bullied may be reluctant to talk about what happened, appear anxious or be threatened by others not to tell anyone.

Parents should use open-ended, non-leading questions to create a safe environment in which children feel confident enough to speak about what they are experiencing. They should listen carefully, ask how the child feels and praise them for having the courage to share difficult experiences. For younger children, parents can teach coping skills through age-appropriate materials such as storybooks.

Children should be encouraged to tell friends when their behaviour makes them uncomfortable, as friends may not always intend to cause harm. If bullying continues, children should be taught to seek help from teachers or parents, avoid risky situations, find supportive friends and develop confidence in their ability to protect themselves. For older children, parents should maintain regular communication and monitor their wellbeing, while offering help when needed and working together to find constructive solutions.

A Community-Wide Responsibility

Dr Akom stressed that bullying is not solely a problem affecting children, adding that anyone can become a victim and society should take the issue seriously to protect children’s physical and mental wellbeing. This perspective resonates deeply in Thai culture, where the concept of “nam jai” — genuine kindness and consideration for others — remains a valued ideal in families and communities.

If a bullying problem cannot be resolved within the family, parents should work with schools and specialists, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, to develop a structured support plan and prevent the situation from escalating. Parents and children can also seek advice from the Department of Mental Health hotline at 1323.

Why This Matters for Thai Families and ASEAN Communities

For Thai families, this warning arrives at a time when children face unprecedented pressures from academic competition, social media and changing family structures. The department’s guidance offers a practical framework for parents who may feel uncertain about how to address bullying when it occurs. The emphasis on open communication and early intervention reflects a growing recognition that children’s mental health is as important as their physical health.

Across Southeast Asia, similar concerns are emerging as digital connectivity expands and school environments evolve. Thailand’s experience offers lessons for neighbouring countries in the ASEAN region, where rapid urbanisation and technological change are reshaping childhood. The department’s call for families, schools and specialists to work together provides a model that could be adapted in other cultural contexts.

The Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, as a leading institution in paediatric care, plays a central role in shaping national policy on children’s wellbeing. Its guidance on bullying reflects broader efforts by the Department of Medical Services to address mental health challenges among young people. For parents in Bangkok’s bustling districts, the quiet villages of the North, or the farming communities of the Northeast, the message is clear: bullying is a serious issue that requires attention, compassion and action.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Sources: Department of Medical Services (Thailand), Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.

By Ann Srisawat, Staff Writer