Bangkok: The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and the National Health Commission of Thailand (NHCO) are actively participating in the 8th annual U15 Futsal "Friends and Fun Noel" event, aimed at combating four major health risk factors among Thai youth through the power of sports and fostering safe environments for children across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Alcohol-Free Network (SDN) and ThaiHealth have partnered with the Department of Physical Education and Thai PBS to launch the "SDN FUTSAL No L CUP 2025-2026," a futsal competition for boys under 15. The initiative, themed "Friends, Fun, No L... No Drinking, Smoking, Drugs, and Gambling," will kick off its provincial rounds in December 2025. Winners will advance to the 10-zone finals in February 2026, culminating in the final match from April 3-5, 2026, at Nimibutr Stadium, Pathumwan, to compete for the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy.
Mr. Wittaya Kulsomboon, a member of ThaiHealth's executive committee, highlighted alarming statistics from a National Statistical Office survey, revealing increased risk factors among Thai youth. Alcohol consumption rates rose among 15-19 year olds from 9.0% in 2021 to 9.6% in 2024, and among 20-24 year olds from 31.6% to 37.8%. The average age of initial alcohol consumption dropped to 19.9 years, while e-cigarette usage surged over 11-fold in three years, with 17.6% of 13-15 year olds smoking, some as young as seven. Thailand also faces challenges with over 1.9 million drug users and significant youth involvement in gambling. The initiative aims to address these issues by engaging more than 20,000 young athletes, coaches, and organizations across the country.
Mr. Thira Watcharapranee, Director of SDN, noted the growth of the 8th SDN No L Cup, which included over 1,095 teams and 21,851 participants last year. A survey showed that 87.7% of athletes improved their behavior, with 85.2% recognizing sports areas as zones free from drinking, smoking, drugs, and gambling. Additionally, 26.1% of coaches quit drinking and smoking post-event. The project plans to collaborate with 10 targeted corporate organizations for CSR support, including sports equipment and training facilities, and to inspire youth through experiences with sports idols. Coach training will also focus on empowering youth by building self-esteem and resilience.
The event featured an MOU signing ceremony with private sector supporters, including Baoji Co., Ltd., Siam Ball Sport Factory Co., Ltd., Bang Krik Design Co., Ltd., Grand Sport Group Co., Ltd., Dutch Mill Co., Ltd., and Cool Supporter Group Co., Ltd. Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Provincial Administrative Organization Association, and provincial government agencies were present to witness the initiative.