Dr Suriyadeo Tripathi, a paediatrician at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, revealed his research titled "Teenagers' quality: A case study on elementary and vocational students", which surveyed 3,000 students in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla.

The study found that most respondents considered themselves to be participating little in community activities.

They also failed to perform a duty for common interest or join religious activities. Also, they always told lies. The youths, however, said they mostly wanted to improve their enthusiasm for study and work, followed by self-control, being sensible and obeying their parents.

"Most of the respondents are students with good school records and have warm families, but we found they lacked public responsibility and participation. They also separated themselves from religion and lacked honesty. They were taught to give priority only to study," said Suriyadeo.

"The characters erode the sufficiency economy and conformity."

He added that teenagers were divided into two camps: students with good school records and those with bad school records who turned to risky behaviour in an attempt to find their own social space.

Suriyadeo said families, communities and society should emphasise three things to solve the problem.

Firstly, it is important to look at teenagers with a positive attitude and not think that all youths are problematic. Secondly, teenagers must be instilled with public responsibility. Finally, good media could encourage youths to change to be better.