UNICEF releases 7 agendas for children for Thailand’s general election and calls on political parties to create a fair chance for every child

BANGKOK, 3 March 2023 – As Thai citizens prepare to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general election, UNICEF Thailand today releases its seven asks for children and calls on political parties and decision makers to do whatever it takes to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to live a happy and healthy life and succeed in a rapidly changing world.

The paper UNICEF Thailand’s Seven Asks for the General Elections #VoteForEveryChild lists the seven pressing issues that are affecting children’s lives and well-being. The paper provides facts and figures as well as recommendations in various areas including early childhood development, education, social protection, adolescent development, children with disabilities, online safety and child protection. The seven areas which require serious attention, commitment and action from policy and decision makers, include:

• Accessible and affordable quality childcare services for all children below three years old
• Transform education to equip children with relevant competencies and skills to thrive in the 21^st century
• Universalization of the Child Support Grant
• Addressing the needs of young people Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET)
• Inclusive services for children with disabilities
• Ensuring online safety for children
• Increasing investment in social service workforce

Addressing these issues is becoming even more critical as Thailand is facing a rapid aging population and declining birth rates. By 2045, Thailand’s age dependency ratio is projected to surpass 50 per cent, meaning Thailand must urgently increase its investment in children and young people to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and resources they need to lead the country towards a peaceful, equitable, sustainable and prosperous society in the future.

“The upcoming election is a unique chance to shape a vision of a better Thailand where children thrive. As the society is aging fast, ensuring every child reach their full potential is an imperative, no matter who they are or where they come from” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. “Because when it comes to the nation’s future, no one is more important than our children. We must make this election count for every one of Thailand’s 13.7 million children. It is time for us all including all political parties and decision makers to stand up for a brighter and more equitable future for every child.”

Download UNICEF Thailand’s Seven Asks for the General Elections #VoteForEveryChild English version / Thai version