Impact Report 2024
From promise to progress
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"A better future starts now by prioritizing children, keeping our promise to fulfill their rights, and investing in families."
The UNICEF Thailand 2024 Impact Report highlights a year of meaningful progress for children across the country. In close partnership with the Royal Thai Government, civil society, private sector allies, and the Thai people, UNICEF has helped improve the lives of millions of children—by strengthening legislation that directly impacts them, expanding investment in child well-being, piloting innovations in early childhood development, increasing access to mental health services, and preparing children for a future shaped by climate change. As Thailand advances toward high-income status by 2037, this report reaffirms the importance of keeping children at the heart of national progress—ensuring they are protected, supported, and empowered to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
12 Wins for Children in Thailand
UNICEF Thailand made meaningful progress for children across the country through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to child rights. From expanding education and mental health services to supporting stateless children and amplifying youth voices, each effort reflected the power of collective action in building a better future.
Here are the 12 wins that brough hope, progress, and lasting impact for children across Thailand.
UNICEF Thailand/2024/Phutpheng
From Promise To Progress: Why child rights are the key to Thailand’s future
Thailand’s ambition to become a high-income country by 2037 hinges on its ability to invest in every child. Yet many still lack access to quality education, healthcare, and protection—especially the most vulnerable. When children are nurtured and empowered, they grow into productive adults who fuel innovation, drive the economy, and build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society for all.
In this report, you will learn more about how UNICEF worked in 2024 to support child rights and the country's future goals, with the voices of children and young people at the forefont. You will also see the impact of that work in children's lives and learn what remains to be done if we are to create the bright future Thailand wants and its children deserve.
UNICEF in Action:
Reaching children across Thailand
UNICEF plays a vital role in advancing children’s rights and well-being across Thailand. Through national policy and advocacy efforts, breakthroughs such as new laws protecting children’s rights have helped shape a better future. At the same time, UNICEF’s on-the-ground programmes respond directly to inequality, ensuring support reaches the children who need it most—from improving education access and child protection to providing relief in times of emergency.
Progress for children requires more than policy—it needs sustained, targeted action. Guided by priorities agreed with the Royal Thai Government, UNICEF supports early childhood development, inclusive education, adolescent participation, child protection, and social inclusion. This work is made possible by a strong network of local, regional, and global partners who share a commitment to building a better future for every child.
UNICEF’s efforts are powered by the deep dedication of the Thai people, whose continued support makes a lasting difference. Their commitment to protecting and empowering children helps drive Thailand’s progress toward a more equitable and sustainable society for all.
UNICEF Thailand/2024/Laosarakham
"Young people need to be heard. This isn't just about the environment. It's about our lives and the kind of world we are leaving behind."
19-year-old Arisa Pholthaisong
The Right To Education
“I like to ask questions about things around me,” says Netnapha Juntajit, a 13-year-old student from Chonburi Province. She took part in a science research project to study the effects of climate change in her community. Inspired by what she learned, Netnapha hopes to use her knowledge to create positive change and help protect the environment. She is one of thousands of students supported through UNICEF’s efforts to transform education in Thailand.
"I am interested in what we can do to help the world and prevent the environment from being destroyed.”
UNICEF worked across multiple fronts to help every child access quality education, with a focus on reaching the most disadvantaged. This included supporting government policy reform, empowering teachers, creating second-chance opportunities for out-of-school youth, and promoting STEM education. UNICEF also worked closely with young people to shape national education strategies through consultation and advocacy. Every initiative aimed to reduce inequality and make Thailand’s education system fit for the 21st century.
Key UNICEF successes in education:
- Reached 102,000 students in 200 schools through the A Book A Week campaign
- Provided mobile library services to more than 14,000 children in remote areas
- Worked with the Government to implement the Thailand Zero Dropout policy to reintegrate 1 million children
- Supported 200,000 teachers through the One Teacher Thailand network
- Helped 1,827 NEET youths access training, jobs, or return to school
- Supported environmental science camps for 1,716 teachers and 7,105 students to become STEM champions.
The Right To Protection:
UNICEF worked to protect vulnerable children across Thailand by strengthening laws, services, and support systems that ensure every child can grow up safe and free from harm. This included supporting child victims of violence, promoting alternatives to detention for children in conflict with the law, and improving services for children with disabilities and those without legal identity. At the same time, UNICEF worked with partners to raise public awareness, advocate for legal reform, and ensure national policies prioritize every child’s right to protection.
Key UNICEF successes in child protection:
- Improved the care offered at shelters to 13,000 women and children who had experienced violence, while supporting 17,000 at-risk children to access social welfare and justice services
- Reached millions of people with content and tips on preventing online sexual exploitation, which were seen more than 30 millions times
- Successfully advocated for the Government to withdraw its final reservation on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, opening new pathways to rights, education, opportunities, and the chance to contribute fully to society.
The Right To A Livable Planet:
UNICEF responded to the growing threat of climate change and related weather events by delivering urgent relief to children and families affected by floods, while also addressing broader environmental threats such as air pollution and heatwaves. UNICEF partnered with government agencies to build a more climate-resilient education system while also empowering young people as advocates voicing their climate concerns directly to policymakers at local, national and even global levels. Through national forums, collaborative advocacy, and mass communication campaigns, UNICEF educated the public and provided communities with tools to build resilience.
Key UNICEF successes in climate change:
- Provided lifeline support to 10,000 children and families caught by floods
- Collaborated on a national forum bringing together 300 policymakers and experts to drive climate-smart education reforms
- Submitted climate action recommendations to the Royal Thai Government, based on input of 1,000 children and young people
- Ran a campaign that reached 19.4 million with actionable climate information.
The Right To Participate:
In 2024, UNICEF worked closely with youth across Thailand to promote meaningful participation and leadership. The 51 members of the Young People Advisory Board guided UNICEF to understand challenges young people and children face, spoke out on key issues, and contributed ideas for campaigns, services, and policy design. UNICEF also supported youth-led initiatives and community-based projects, empowering students to lead local action while providing the tools and encouragement they needed to succeed. Volunteers played a key role in bringing these efforts to life.
"Getting young people involved in decision-making is a must. After all, young people will be adults in the future and can help create a more inclusive society for everyone."
Key UNICEF successes in youth participation:
- 30,121 young people shared their views on the key issues affecting them, which drove improvements to the Children and Youth Council of Thailand
- 20,000 young people registered to play a more active role in local and national decision-making through the Youth Councils
- 1,225 young people in Thailand participated in UNICEF’s global Youth-Led Action Initiative, speaking out on issues including education equity, gender equality and disability
- 1,188 student leaders were empowered to take local action on mental health, bullying and environmental sustainability.
The Right To A Fair Start In Life:
"Disadvantaged children and youth are at high risk of dropping out of school, especially if they lack support from individuals or organizations, are unaware of available financial aid, or do not receive proper guidance."
UNICEF worked to ensure that every child in Thailand has a fair start in life, particularly those affected by poverty and social inequality. Recognizing that economic hardship can limit access to essential services like education and healthcare, UNICEF advocated for stronger social protection systems and more inclusive public spending. This included pushing for the expansion of existing child support grants. UNICEF also partnered with institutions such as the National Statistical Office, World Bank, and Thailand Development Research Institute to provide decision-makers with data needed to guide budget decisions.
Key UNICEF successes in social policy:
- Released flagship report called Addressing The Gaps which provided detailed analysis and actionable recommendations to help local and national government reduce inequality
- Continued to advocate for an extension to Child Support Grant so that it reaches all children under six, with promising progress made
- Collaborated on a revision to Thailand’s poverty line, leading to the first update in a decade.
- Partnered with National Economic and Social Development Council and Budget Bureau to analyse gaps in current social security provisions.
The Right To Good Health:
UNICEF improved the physical and mental health of children by addressing critical needs—access to nutritious food, early health care, and emotional support. One in five children do not reach their full developmental potential, so UNICEF strengthened early childhood development services. In response to a growing mental health crisis, UNICEF expanded services and used digital tools to reach children. UNICEF also worked to improve public health through partnerships with government and civil society, promoting better nutrition, supporting regulations to reduce harmful food marketing, and helping build supportive environments for children.
Key UNICEF successes in health:
- 80,000 parents received guidance on raising children in a healthy way through the Early Moments Matter on Mobile initiative
- 146,270 children’s mental health was assessed, with 12,379 being referred for further treatment
- Nutritional training reached more than 30,000 staff from 2,000 hospitals
- UNICEF worked with the Government and private sector companies on encouraging healthier eating habits among children.
Partnerships For Progress:
Partnerships remain central to UNICEF’s mission to put child rights first in Thailand. The Government continues to be a key ally—working with UNICEF to strengthen policies, services, and systems that support children’s health, education, and protection. This includes advancing early childhood development, reducing inequality, and expanding legal safeguards for vulnerable children.
Private sector partners have also stepped up with growing leadership. Businesses are helping drive change by supporting family-friendly policies, investing in child-focused innovations, co-creating awareness campaigns, and improving access to services through their platforms and networks. Their commitment has expanded UNICEF’s reach and impact. At the same time, the Thai public plays a powerful role—through donations, campaign engagement, and advocacy—demonstrating that child rights are a shared responsibility across all sectors of society.
10 Wins For The Children From Around The World
As the world’s leading organization for children, UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to deliver life-saving support, protect child rights, and help every child reach their full potential. From vaccines and education to nutrition and clean water, UNICEF’s global impact touches the lives of millions—especially the most vulnerable—every day. Here are ten powerful examples of how UNICEF is making a difference for children around the world.
Forging A Better Future For Thailand
UNICEF’s vision for the future is clear: a world where every child can grow up healthy, safe, educated, and empowered. Achieving this vision means ensuring that all children enjoy their fundamental rights—rights that are essential for their well-being and for Thailand’s progress as a nation.
Every child has the right to a fair start in life, with strong early childhood development and family support.
Every child has the right to quality education, designed to meet their needs and prepare them for the future.
Every child has the right to social protection, ensuring that no child is left behind due to poverty or discrimination.
Every child has the right to safety, protected from all forms of violence both online and offline.
Every child has the right to grow up in a livable world, where they are prepared to face climate challenges and lead sustainable change.
Every child has the right to have a say in their future, with opportunities to voice their opinions and influence decisions.
Realizing these rights requires the combined efforts of governments, businesses, communities, and every citizen. Only by making child rights a priority can we build a better, stronger, and fairer future for all.
Explore the Full Report
Highlights
The UNICEF Thailand 2024 Impact Report captures a year of unwavering commitment to protecting child rights and promoting child well-being across the country. In a world marked by complex challenges, from climate change to economic uncertainty, UNICEF has continued to work alongside the Thai Government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and empowered. This report reflects UNICEF’s ongoing dedication to building a brighter future for all children, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development, quality education, mental health support, and child protection.
As Thailand aims for high-income status by 2037, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children remain at the heart of this progress. The report highlights how UNICEF has strengthened partnerships, advocated for child-friendly policies, and mobilized resources to support children and families facing hardship. By investing in children today, Thailand is laying the foundation for a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. This impact report is a testament to the collective efforts of all who believe that every child deserves a fair start and the chance to achieve their full potential.
