Campaign

2024: Who cares about climate change? #CountMeIn

Climate change is changing children's lives – now the younger generations are demanding action

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How Does Climate Change Affect Children?

Frequent illness, missed school, malnutrition, displacement, mental health issues, and even death – children bear the greatest burden of climate change, but their voices and needs are often overlooked. They suffer most and will face its effects the longest. So why are they often excluded in discussions and solutions about the climate crisis?

#CountMeIn

Voice of Children, Told by Children, Action by Children

UNICEF Thailand launched #CountMeIn campaign to raise awareness of the challenges children and young people face, while providing a platform for them to express their views and needs.

We all need to ensure that children and youth are included in the conversations and solutions surrounding the climate crisis, as they are the ones most affected and will inherit this planet for many more years to come.

UNICEF Thailand

What does UNICEF do on Climate Change for Children?

UNICEF - in Thailand and globally - calls on governments, businesses, and decision-makers to urgently protect children from the escalating climate crisis by adapting essential services to fit children’s needs, preparing them to thrive in a climate-affected world, and prioritizing them in climate funding.

In Thailand, UNICEF works with the government and partners to promote climate education which helps children and youth better understand climate change and learn ways to protect the environment. We also advocate for their increased participation and involvement in climate discussions and actions.

Photo Story: The Impact of Flooding on Children

A series of photos showcasing the effects of recent flooding in northern and central Thailand on children. As climate conditions evolve and the environment changes, children's lives are profoundly affected.

A scene of devastation caused by a flood. The area is filled with debris, damaged furniture, and broken equipment piled up in front of a green building with barred windows. The ground is covered in mud, and the structure shows signs of damage. In the foreground, children in school uniforms are seen out of focus, observing the aftermath.

Students survey the damage at Panghad Sahasart School in Po Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province, where flash floods carried mud and destroyed buildings and educational materials. This marks the second round of damage on August 31, 2024, after the first incident on August 21, 2024, which led to a four-day school closure.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A pile of damaged books, covered in mud, is stacked inside a box. The books appear wet and dirty, likely affected by flooding. The colorful covers, primarily in purple and other colors, are warped and torn, showing significant damage.

Textbooks were damaged by the flash floods, as mud was carried from Phatang Canal and flooded the rear of Panghad Sahasart School in Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province. This is the first year such an event occurred, raising concerns among local residents about environmental changes as surrounding areas that have turned into agricultural land, with fewer large trees to hold the soil in place. Additionally, heavy rains caused by climate change have worsened the situation.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A flooded area in front of a building with a green wall and a signboard submerged in water. The water reaches halfway up the sign, which displays illustrations of students. Above the green wall, a larger sign on the building reads in Thai "เร่งรัดการศึกษา" and "พัฒนาวินัย", which is "Accelerate Education" and "Develop Discipline" in English. The entrance to the building is visible, with water covering the ground.

Pracha Uthit School and the Early Childhood Development Center, both located in the Sri Samrong District, Sukhothai Province, were among the 249 schools affected by flooding during August and September.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

Four young boys in school uniforms stand behind a railing, looking down at a large area covered in thick mud. One boy is pointing at something in the mud, which appears to be debris left behind after a flood. The ground is completely covered in slippery, wet mud, with a small basket partially submerged.

Students examine the damage at Panghad Sahasart School in Po Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province - particularly in the cafeteria area - after muddy flash floods damaged buildings and learning materials. Thailand is currently dealing with climate change, with the Meteorological Department announcing that the country will face the "La Niña" phenomenon, expected to continue until next year.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A row of muddy chairs, covered in debris such as sticks and leaves, sits in front of a green wall. The chairs appear damaged and displaced. The ground is wet and filled with mud, and the scene suggests the aftermath of a flood.

Student chairs at Panghad Sahasart School in Po Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province, which were damaged after flash floods swept through and caused severe destruction to buildings and learning materials.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A man stands in a room heavily affected by a flood, with mud covering the floor and furniture. The room is filled with tools, workbenches, and scattered objects, many of which are coated in mud. A black tub with two red buckets inside is on the floor, and a large car seat is among the debris. The walls are stained with mud up to a certain height, indicating the water level during the flood.

“The worst damage to our school was to the vocational training rooms, music room, home room, workshop, drinking water facility, and the lunch area for students. The musical instruments alone sustained damages of around 600,000 to 700,000 baht. We just bought some of these last year, and now they’re all ruined. We were able to save only a few things because the water came so fast. Normally, we have around 540 students, but not all of them have returned yet because some live in the mountains, and the road is still being repaired," said Maitri Yala, director of Panghad at Sahasart School in Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province, after surveying the damage to the vocational training rooms caused by flash floods and mudslides.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A schoolyard is flooded with muddy water, with trees and bushes partially submerged. In the center of the image, a flagpole stands tall with the Thai national flag flying at the top. A school building with purple accents is visible on the left, and the sky is clear with scattered clouds. The floodwaters cover much of the ground, extending towards the distant trees.

The flagpole field at Ban Santi Pittayakarn School in Sri Samrong District, Sukhothai Province, was flooded, affecting 36 students. During the August-September floods, over 5,800 students in the region were impacted, along with more than 600 teachers, and 249 schools suffered damage.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A playground swing hangs still above floodwater, its reflection visible on the water's surface. The area around the swing is submerged, and the water is calm, creating a mirror-like effect. The scene is quiet and deserted, with the swing as the central focus, highlighting the impact of flooding.

The swings in the playground at Ban Santi Pittayakarn School in Sri Samrong District, Sukhothai Province, were submerged in floodwaters, forcing all 36 students to stay home. The school quickly worked to drain the area, allowing classes to resume after three days.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A monk, dressed in an orange robe, stands at the edge of a broken road caused by severe flooding. The floodwaters are rushing violently, tearing through the road and leaving a large gap. On the other side of the gap, traffic cones are set up to block access to the damaged road. The surrounding area is filled with trees, and the sky is cloudy, indicating recent heavy rain.

Highway 1195 in Wang Thong Subdistrict, Sri Samrong District, Sukhothai Province, was damaged and cut off after the Yom River overflowed, eroding the road. Local residents were affected, including monks who could not go on their morning alms rounds, and students who had to take longer detours to reach their schools.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

Two women sit on top of a row of sandbags used as a barrier to protect against floodwaters. One woman is holding a smiling baby on her lap, while the other looks on and smiles. The area around them is flooded, and in the background, a few people are standing near the sandbags, observing the water. The scene suggests a community effort to manage the flood situation.

A neighbor carries "Auto," six-month-old Kunapat Thammarat, near a row of sandbags set up to prevent floodwaters from the Yom River spilling into homes along Highway 1195 in Sukhothai Province. "The biggest issue right now is water. We don’t have any, so we’re using rainwater stored in jars and treating it with alum to clean the baby bottles and bathe the children. The water is almost gone, and soon we won’t have any to clean the bottles," said Kannchanok Thammarat, Auto’s mother, expressing her concerns about raising small children amidst the flooding in Wang Thong Subdistrict, Sri Samrong District, Sukhothai Province.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A group of people is walking up a path, carrying supplies. One woman in the foreground has a baby strapped to her back using a colorful cloth, while holding a bag of food and water bottles in each hand. The others, ahead of her, also carry similar supplies, including bottles of water and plastic bags with food. The scene suggests they have just received aid, possibly in response to a recent disaster.

An ethnic Hmong mother brings her child to receive donations at Panghad Sahasart School in Po Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province. Many families in the area were affected by the floods, similar to the 5,615 households across 11 districts in Chiang Rai Province.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A school yard filled with piles of broken and damaged desks, chairs, and furniture, due to a recent flood. The furniture is covered in mud and stacked haphazardly. In the background, a student in a white shirt and blue skirt walks past the debris. The school building features a colorful mural, and the scene indicates recovery efforts after a natural disaster.

Student desks, chairs, and learning materials were piled on the football field at Panghad Sahasart School in Po Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province, after being damaged by flash floods and mudslides, which destroyed buildings and educational materials twice. Although the school has resumed classes, fewer students are attending because roads to the school have been cut off, and many families have been affected by the flood crisis.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A young girl sits cross-legged on the floor, focused on writing in a notebook. She is illuminated by a single light source in an otherwise dark room, with a cool patch on her forehead, possibly indicating she is unwell. Around her are various personal items, including a water bottle and colorful blankets. The dim lighting and her concentration suggest she might be in a temporary shelter or evacuation center, continuing her studies despite the challenging circumstances.

"Nat" Natwipha Chanthothai, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student, had to move to the Wat Tha Thong flood relief shelter in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province, because her house was flooded, making travel difficult and the water system unable to use. After school, Nat does her homework at the shelter,which she shares with about 40 other flood victims. On the fourth night of staying at the shelter, a power outage occurred due to floodwaters knocking down high-voltage power poles. Nevertheless, Nat remained focused on her homework, using a flashlight for light. "I want to become a heart specialist because when I was little, I took care of my grandfather, who had heart disease. I find the heart fascinating—it’s a fun system to learn about, and it’s a career where I can help others," Nat shared her dream amidst the darkness.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A young girl stands barefoot in a room flooded with muddy water, holding a broom as she attempts to clean the debris. The floor is covered in a thin layer of mud, and sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating the scene. Nearby, a plastic chair and some belongings, including a bag of supplies, sit on a small bench. The room appears to be in the process of being cleaned up after a flood.

Copter, Thitapha Pankeord, an 8-year-old first grader at Ban Santi Pittayakarn School, takes a break while cleaning her house after floodwaters from the Yom River overflowed and flooded her home. She is one of 36 students at Ban Santi Pittayakarn School who had to stop attending school due to the flood crisis.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A person is walking through knee-deep floodwater, with sunlight reflecting off the murky brown water. The individual is wearing dark clothing and a backpack, wading slowly through the flooded area. The shadow of the person stretches across the water, and in the background, part of a submerged vehicle or equipment is visible, further indicating the extent of the flooding.

Narawit Phonklai, a 12-year-old sixth grader, wades through water on his way home from school in Sri Samrong District, Sukhothai Province. He is one of more than 5,800 students affected by the flooding in August and September. The number of affected people is expected to rise as the rainy season continues, amidst the weather instability caused by climate change.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Patipat Janthong

A scene of devastation caused by a flood. The area is filled with debris, damaged furniture, and broken equipment piled up in front of a green building with barred windows. The ground is covered in mud, and the structure shows signs of damage. In the foreground, children in school uniforms are seen out of focus, observing the aftermath.

A pile of damaged books, covered in mud, is stacked inside a box. The books appear wet and dirty, likely affected by flooding. The colorful covers, primarily in purple and other colors, are warped and torn, showing significant damage.

A flooded area in front of a building with a green wall and a signboard submerged in water. The water reaches halfway up the sign, which displays illustrations of students. Above the green wall, a larger sign on the building reads in Thai &quot;เร่งรัดการศึกษา&quot; and &quot;พัฒนาวินัย&quot;, which is &quot;Accelerate Education&quot; and &quot;Develop Discipline&quot; in English. The entrance to the building is visible, with water covering the ground.

Four young boys in school uniforms stand behind a railing, looking down at a large area covered in thick mud. One boy is pointing at something in the mud, which appears to be debris left behind after a flood. The ground is completely covered in slippery, wet mud, with a small basket partially submerged.

A row of muddy chairs, covered in debris such as sticks and leaves, sits in front of a green wall. The chairs appear damaged and displaced. The ground is wet and filled with mud, and the scene suggests the aftermath of a flood.

A man stands in a room heavily affected by a flood, with mud covering the floor and furniture. The room is filled with tools, workbenches, and scattered objects, many of which are coated in mud. A black tub with two red buckets inside is on the floor, and a large car seat is among the debris. The walls are stained with mud up to a certain height, indicating the water level during the flood.

A schoolyard is flooded with muddy water, with trees and bushes partially submerged. In the center of the image, a flagpole stands tall with the Thai national flag flying at the top. A school building with purple accents is visible on the left, and the sky is clear with scattered clouds. The floodwaters cover much of the ground, extending towards the distant trees.

A playground swing hangs still above floodwater, its reflection visible on the water's surface. The area around the swing is submerged, and the water is calm, creating a mirror-like effect. The scene is quiet and deserted, with the swing as the central focus, highlighting the impact of flooding.

A monk, dressed in an orange robe, stands at the edge of a broken road caused by severe flooding. The floodwaters are rushing violently, tearing through the road and leaving a large gap. On the other side of the gap, traffic cones are set up to block access to the damaged road. The surrounding area is filled with trees, and the sky is cloudy, indicating recent heavy rain.

Two women sit on top of a row of sandbags used as a barrier to protect against floodwaters. One woman is holding a smiling baby on her lap, while the other looks on and smiles. The area around them is flooded, and in the background, a few people are standing near the sandbags, observing the water. The scene suggests a community effort to manage the flood situation.

A group of people is walking up a path, carrying supplies. One woman in the foreground has a baby strapped to her back using a colorful cloth, while holding a bag of food and water bottles in each hand. The others, ahead of her, also carry similar supplies, including bottles of water and plastic bags with food. The scene suggests they have just received aid, possibly in response to a recent disaster.

A school yard filled with piles of broken and damaged desks, chairs, and furniture, due to a recent flood. The furniture is covered in mud and stacked haphazardly. In the background, a student in a white shirt and blue skirt walks past the debris. The school building features a colorful mural, and the scene indicates recovery efforts after a natural disaster.

A young girl sits cross-legged on the floor, focused on writing in a notebook. She is illuminated by a single light source in an otherwise dark room, with a cool patch on her forehead, possibly indicating she is unwell. Around her are various personal items, including a water bottle and colorful blankets. The dim lighting and her concentration suggest she might be in a temporary shelter or evacuation center, continuing her studies despite the challenging circumstances.

A young girl stands barefoot in a room flooded with muddy water, holding a broom as she attempts to clean the debris. The floor is covered in a thin layer of mud, and sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating the scene. Nearby, a plastic chair and some belongings, including a bag of supplies, sit on a small bench. The room appears to be in the process of being cleaned up after a flood.

A person is walking through knee-deep floodwater, with sunlight reflecting off the murky brown water. The individual is wearing dark clothing and a backpack, wading slowly through the flooded area. The shadow of the person stretches across the water, and in the background, part of a submerged vehicle or equipment is visible, further indicating the extent of the flooding.

Read Feature Story

It Used to Be Here

Stories of children and youth affected by climate change

A young woman with short, light brown hair stands outdoors, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. She is wearing a sleeveless denim top with decorative ruffles along the neckline. The background is slightly blurred, showing trees and part of a building, suggesting she is in a park or public space.

My mother used to be here: ‘Time’ Jirawan Olararatmanee, who lost her mother to lung cancer from worsening PM2.5 air pollution in Chiang Mai.

A young woman with braided hair smiles as she looks to the side. She is wearing a black sports jersey with the word "Winnersquad" printed on the front. A small hair clip decorates her hair, and the background shows trees and a clear sky, suggesting she is outdoors in a natural setting.

My home used to be here: ‘Cheer’ Alisa Phonthaisong from the Khun Samut Chin community in Samut Prakan, who has lost her home three times to flooding.

A young man is holding a camera with both hands, looking to the side in concentration. He is dressed in a black and brown winter jacket, indicating cold weather. The background is plain and minimal, focusing attention on him and the camera.

Our wildlife used to be here: ‘Win’ Katanyou Wuttichaitanakorn, a wildlife photographer who has seen a continuous decline in animal species.

A young boy wearing a white collared shirt looks directly at the camera with a serious expression. He is standing against a textured wall, and the natural light highlights his face. The background is simple, focusing attention on the boy.

My school uniform used to be here: ‘Loh’ Abdulloh Daengdaman, a boy in Yala who lost his school uniform and learning materials, all swept away by major flooding in 2023.

Shocking facts about climate change's impact on children

A young boy is captured mid-jump over a large rock surrounded by a small puddle of water on a vast, dry sandy landscape. He is shirtless and appears to be playing in the barren environment. The background shows a distant horizon with faint hills, indicating the area might be experiencing drought or low water levels. — UNICEF Thailand/2024/Roengrit Kongmuang

40 million children have their education disrupted annually by disasters exacerbated by climate change.
Every day almost 2000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution.
Air Pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally In and becoming the second leading risk factor for death, including for children under five years.
2 million preterm births annually attributed to ambient particulate matter exposure.
559 million children currently exposed to high heatwave frequency, rising to all 2.02 billion children globally by 2050.
In 2020, over 75 percent of children or around 10.3 million, have been exposed to high heatwave frequency and will suffer more often and for longer in 2050.
Thailand ranked 50th out of 163 countries where children were most at risk from the impact of climate change.
Over 43 million children were internally displaced between 2016 and 2021 due to weather-related disasters, including storms and flooding.
Floods, drought and food insecurity impact child undernutrition and lifelong health effects.
Every 1°C rise in temperature increases the odds of stillbirth and preterm birth by 5%.
Each 1 mg/m³ increase in PM2.5 from fires is linked to a 2.3% rise in child mortality risk.
10-fold surge in reported cases of dengue worldwide, with cases increasing from 500,000 to 5.2 million, with the highest incidence of cases among children and adolescents.
Only 2.4 percent of key global climate funds can be classified as supporting child-responsive activities

From Pink to Green: The Story of Si Chomphu’s Nature Guardians

Fifty students gathered to participate in an environmental awareness initiative in Si Chomphu District, Khon Kaen Province, organized by UNICEF and the local community.

A group of people sitting on a small open vehicle traveling through a lush green forest.

Environment influencer Jareerat “Baitong” Petsom (left) joined the children in exploring the district’s natural treasures—climbing cliffs, wading through streams, and marveling at waterfalls.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

A young boy standing on a small stream in a forest, surrounded by rocks and dense vegetation.

Thanaphon Mahuema, a young boy who left school at the age of 12, has just returned to his hometown in search for the lush woods and rolling hills of his hometown.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

A man sitting on a rock in a forest, surrounded by lush greenery.

Sanya Makarin, a passionate teacher who launched an eco-tourism initiative to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in the community, especially among its children.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

Baitong leads a group discussion with local youth on a mat outdoors.

Environment influencer Jareerat “Baitong” Petsom (centre) joined the children in exploring the district’s natural treasures—climbing cliffs, wading through streams, and marveling at waterfalls.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

Children explored the district’s natural treasures—climbing cliffs, wading through streams, and marveling at waterfalls .

Children explored the district’s natural treasures—climbing cliffs, wading through streams, and marveling at waterfalls on the first day. On the second, they teamed up with “I Am UNICEF” volunteers to learn storytelling and media skills.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

A group of people exploring the forest.

Environment influencer Jareerat “Baitong” Petsom (left) and Sanya Makarin (right) during the exploration into the forest.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

A student in a red polo uniform sits on a rock with their legs dipped in a stream, or painting while surrounded by lush forest greenery.

Chulalak Wantanee, a 10th grader at Si Chomphu School, is deeply concerned about a proposed mine that threatens to destroy the district’s mountains and pollute its environment.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

A large group of students and staff posing in front of a rocky cliff face.

Fifty primary and secondary school students gathered to participate in an Environmental Awareness initiative organized by UNICEF and Sanya Makarin.

UNICEF Thailand/2024/Preechapanich

A group of people sitting on a small open vehicle traveling through a lush green forest.

A young boy standing on a small stream in a forest, surrounded by rocks and dense vegetation.

A man sitting on a rock in a forest, surrounded by lush greenery.

Baitong leads a group discussion with local youth on a mat outdoors.

Children explored the district’s natural treasures—climbing cliffs, wading through streams, and marveling at waterfalls .

A group of people exploring the forest.

A student in a red polo uniform sits on a rock with their legs dipped in a stream, or painting while surrounded by lush forest greenery.

A large group of students and staff posing in front of a rocky cliff face.

Read Feature Story

How do we cope with floods, air pollution, and extreme heat?

A boy wearing a red shirt is sitting on a makeshift raft made of wooden planks and plastic bottles, floating on calm, reflective water.

Flood

Learn what you need to know before, during and after the storm.

A woman with short hair stands outdoors in a forested area with her eyes closed, appearing relaxed and serene. She is wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic of the Earth and the phrase "How dare you?" written in multiple languages. The background is filled with green foliage and trees.

Air pollution

What is air pollution and how to protect children and family from the impacts.

Boy and girl are standing under the sun with school bag cover their heads.

Heat

Learn how to help keep the children in your life and your family safe during a heatwave.

Essential report and handbook

ภาพระยะใกล้ของหนังสือคู่มือการศึกษา ชื่อ "Active Learning on Biodiversity and Climate Change" โดยมีภาพปกที่เต็มไปด้วยสีสัน ภาพปกแสดงตัวละครการ์ตูน รวมถึงเด็กที่ถือนก และมีองค์ประกอบธรรมชาติ เช่น พืช สัตว์ และแมลง ข้อความบนปกมีทั้งภาษาไทยและภาษาอังกฤษ โดยชื่อภาษาไทยอยู่เหนือชื่อภาษาอังกฤษ — UNICEF Thailand

ABC Handbook

The Active Learning on Biodiversity and Climate Change Handbook (ABC Handbook) is a resource for public, teachers, educators, youth, and families to teach children aged between 7-18 years old about biodiversity loss and climate change. The handbook offers adaptable activities that promote active learning and can be tailored to local contexts.

A young girl stands barefoot in ankle-deep floodwater in a residential area. Behind her, houses are partially submerged, and several adults wade through the water. Boats are moored near the houses, suggesting they are being used for transportation during the flood. The scene captures the impact of flooding on the community. — UNICEF Thailand/2019/Preechapanich

Impact assessment of climate change and environmental degradation on children in Thailand

Children in Thailand are at risk from climate change, as floods, droughts, and high temperatures impact their health, development, and well-being. This report compiles data on the areas where children are most affected and recommends implementing child-sensitive policies to address these concerns.