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.
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.
A survey of child nutrition across Southeast Asia found that only 23 percent of Thai children aged 2–12 meet the recommended intake of two glasses of milk per day, with older children more likely to skip milk altogether. More than 70 percent of children across the region were found to be calcium-deficient, and 84 percent had insufficient vitamin D.
Among Thais aged 15 and over, only 19.6 percent drink the recommended amount of plain milk daily, according to a 2026 health poll.
Ampaiphan said the department is promoting a campaign encouraging all age groups to drink two glasses of plain milk daily — one in the morning and one in the evening — alongside a balanced diet and at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, broken into 10 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes at lunch, and 30 minutes after school.
Children should also be in bed before 21:00 to stimulate growth hormone secretion, she added.
Dr. Pakorn Tungkasereerak, deputy director-general, said working-age adults should pair milk consumption with weight-bearing exercise such as skipping rope, aerobics, or squats to strengthen bones and muscles. Older adults are advised to choose low-fat milk or calcium-fortified soy milk, eat adequate protein, and get gentle sun exposure to boost vitamin D absorption.
Cow’s milk contains 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamin B2, the department said.
With World Milk Day falling on 1 June, the department has partnered with Lotus’s and 7-Eleven to run promotions making plain milk more affordable and accessible to the public.
