New UNICEF report reveals that Thai youth drive climate action, but are left out of key decision-making

BANGKOK, 18 September 2025 – Thai children and young people are stepping up to fight climate change at national and local levels, but their voices are often ignored, their efforts underfunded, and their safety put at risk. These are the findings of a new UNICEF report, “Between Generations, One Planet”, launched today. The findings help drive UNICEF’s new, action-focused #CountMeIn campaign designed to support more young people to take action with greater support from across society.

The new report, based on extensive research and consultations with young people from over 110 youth-led organizations across Thailand, finds that while youth are leading climate action such as mobilizing communities, raising awareness, and advocating for solutions, they remain largely excluded from key decision-making processes. Many lack access to safe platforms, resources, and funding to support their efforts. Yong people from marginalized or rural communities, particularly ethnic minorities and children with disabilities, are often left out of national conversations. The report also notes that some young people fear for their safety when speaking out, underscoring the urgent need for stronger protection and meaningful opportunities for participation.

“Children and young people are not just affected by climate change, they are leaders of change,” says Severine Leonardi, Deputy Representative at UNICEF Thailand. “This report and campaign make one thing clear: young people must not only be heard but supported, protected, and empowered to shape the solutions we urgently need.”

Thailand ranked 30th in the Global Climate Risk Index 2025. A 2023 UNICEF report found that children in Thailand face a high risk from climate change and environmental degradation, with droughts, heatwaves, and floods disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable.

The latest phase in UNICEF’s #CountMeIn campaign is themed “Voices of Children, Action by Children.” This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on youth climate action across Thailand - from north to south, from small everyday choices to bold community initiatives - emphasizing that every climate action matters.  

The campaign spotlights three inspiring young leaders. Sirikarn Sengla, 18, a Mon ethnic youth from Chiang Mai, endured a devastating landslide that cut her village off from food, water, and electricity for several days. “It was the most terrifying experience of my life,” she says. “Now, every time we have heavy rains, I feel anxious. But learning about climate change gave me hope. I am sharing this knowledge with my community but want to spread the word more widely, so we understand that these disasters are not punishments from God, but the challenges we have to prepare for together.”

Panpittra Phutorn, 22, a member of UNICEF’s Young People Advisory Board from the northeastern province of Roi Et, saw prolonged drought and flooding devastate her family’s crops. To help pay for her tuition, Ari had to work to support her family since a young age. "We all contribute to carbon emissions, but it's important to recognize that everything we do impacts the planet. We have the power to choose actions that either help or harm the Earth. The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs people who are willing to take action. For example, I start by embracing second-hand clothes to reduce textile waste and save the world.”

Khairiyah Rahmanyah, 23 - popularly known as the “Daughter of the Sea” - made headlines for standing up against coastal destruction in her hometown of Songkhla as a teenager. "Someone once told me to stop meddling at protests because I was just a kid and should focus on my studies. I simply smiled and stayed quiet. But instead, I spoke out publicly, saying that even if I’m young, I live on this land and breathe this air too. So I have the right to protect it. Everyone has a duty to defend safe food and clean air."

Both the report and the #CountMeIn campaign call on government bodies, civil society, and the private sector to step up by funding youth-led initiatives, protecting young environmental defenders, and creating structured and inclusive platforms that allow children and young people to meaningfully take part in shaping climate policy and action.

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time,” says Leonardi. “If we truly want lasting solutions, young people must be at the center of decision-making.”

For more information about CountMeIn campaign, please visit https://www.unicef.org/thailand/campaigns/countmein