Shocking Findings: 1 In 3 Thai Teens Encounter Online Sexual Content

Alarming Study: Thai Youth and Online Sexual Exposure

In a startling revelation, a recent study has found that one in three Thai teenagers has encountered sexual content on the internet. This discovery has ignited concerns over the safety of young people navigating the digital landscape.

The research, titled Leaked: Understanding and Addressing Self-Generated Sexual Content Involving Young People in Thailand, was conducted by the research team Evident along with the HUG Project, with backing from the World Childhood Foundation. The comprehensive study collected insights from nearly 2,000 participants aged nine to 17 across seven northern provinces between August 2024 and March 2025. In addition to surveys, focus groups with teenagers and interviews with law enforcement and frontline workers enriched the findings.

Motivations and Misunderstandings

The report's findings are eye-opening. About one-third of respondents reported knowing peers involved in sharing or receiving sexual material. This includes nude images potentially featuring minors, adult pornography, and AI-generated deepfakes. Alarmingly, 46% of teens indicated their main motivation was garnering likes and followers, with financial rewards close behind at 45%, and a search for validation motivating 40%. Additionally, 34% acknowledged that coercion or deceit could lead to sharing intimate content.

“Young people are growing up in a world where their digital lives are inseparable from their offline ones,” emphasized Wirawan Mosby, director and founder of the HUG Project.

Despite widespread knowledge of the risks, a striking 56% of teens recognized the ease with which technology allows explicit images to be distributed without foreseeing the consequences. The perception gap between teens and their parents is apparent, as many young people view online scams and drugs as more pressing threats than sexual content, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.

Call for Constructive Guidance and Education

Wirawan Mosby, who was named a Trafficking in Persons Report Hero in 2017, cautioned against shaming or lecturing children. Instead, she advocates for providing constructive guidance, urging parents and educators to foster open dialogues with young people.

"Instead of using shame or telling them not to take risks, we need to listen and give them guidance about how to carefully engage in online and offline relationships," Mosby advised.

The study underscores an urgent need for enhanced education, robust protections, and transparent conversations about the dangers confronting Thai youth in today's digital era.