Singapore · Japan · Khaosod
Thai children shorter than Singaporean and Japanese peers
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BANGKOK — 29 May 2026, Thai children are falling behind their regional peers in height and risk developing low muscle mass and osteoporosis in later life, the Department of Health warned on Friday, citing low milk consumption across all age groups.
Key facts
- BANGKOK — 29 May 2026, Thai children are falling behind their regional peers in height and risk developing low muscle mass and osteoporosis in later life, the Department of Health warned on Friday, citing low milk consumption across all
- Ampaiphan Benjapolpitak, director-general of the Department of Health, said average height among Thai males stands at 171.6 cm and Thai females at 159.3 cm — below Singapore, where men average 176.9 cm and women 163.3 cm, and Japan, where
- Among Thais aged 15 and over, only 19.6 percent drink the recommended amount of plain milk daily, according to a 2026 health poll.
- The country averages 23.1 litres per person per year, compared to 62 litres in Singapore, 36.2 litres in Japan, and a global average of 31 litres.
Summary
Dr. Ampaiphan Benjapolpitak, director-general of the Department of Health, said average height among Thai males stands at 171.6 cm and Thai females at 159.3 cm — below Singapore, where men average 176.9 cm and women 163.3 cm, and Japan, where men average 173.5 cm and women 161.5 cm.
Thailand also drinks far less milk than its neighbours. The country averages 23.1 litres per person per year, compared to 62 litres in Singapore, 36.2 litres in Japan, and a global average of 31 litres.