The Nation May 28, 2015 1:00 am
Thai children's average intelligence quotient down slightly, survey finds
THE AVERAGE intelligence quotient (IQ) of Thai children slipped to 93.1 in 2014, from 94 in 2011, according to surveys by the Public Health Ministry.
The IQ scores of Prathom 1 students in Thailand are also below the world average of 100.
"But Thai children's [average] emotional quotient is normal," Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin said at a press conference yesterday.
Mental Health Department director-general Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk said children's lack of opportunities to live with both parents and living in skipped-generation families (those living with grandparents, in absence of their parents) also ranked among key IQ-affecting factors.
Rajata said that in honour of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 60th birthday, a project was launched to improve children's development.
"The project gives special attention to children in risky groups, such as those underweight at birth and those not living with parents," he said.
In addition to deploying health volunteers and tambon health-promotion hospitals, the project was trying to engage parents in promoting children's development.
"Ties between children and their keepers count," Rajata said.
He also placed an emphasis on hugging and talking, and reiterated that TV-watching time should be reduced.
Man muss sich angesichts der Lebensumstaende vieler (auch reicher) Thai Kinder
wundern dass sie nicht noch bloeder sind.
Das furchtbare TV Programm, die Kinderfeindliche Umwelt, zerruettete Familien,
untaugliches Tutoring und schlechte Schulen auf der einen Seite
und unfaehige bzw ueberforderte Muetter (die Vaeter sind eh Fehlanzeige)
auf der anderen Seite, machen die Kindererziehung hier sehr schwierig.
Ich habe selber miterlebt wie schwierig es selbst fuer engagierte Ersatzmuetter
wie meine Schwiegermutter (die selbst Lehrerin war) und meine Frau
bei unseren Ziehtoechtern war den negativen Einfluss von Aussen auf die
Erziehung abzuwehren.
Andererseits muss ich aber auch sagen dass ich eigentlich nur relativ glueckliche
Kinder in Thailand getroffen habe die viel besser drauf sind als gleichaltrige
Kinder die ich derzeit in LUX und D treffe.