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Published on October 2, 2007

Recent acts of violence by teenagers have included the rape and murder of a girl in Ayutthaya province and the fatal stabbing of a boy in Ratchaburi.

The number of youths  in Thailand committing violence, especially sexual

violence and physical attacks, was increasing, according

to Yongyud Wongpiromsarn, from the Mental Health Department.

Thicha na Nakorn, the director of the Ban Kanjanapisek facility which is supervised by the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, said youths committing such violence were younger and their crimes were more serious.

However, the real cause of such misbehaviour was that youngsters do not have self-esteem if they feel they always fail in their school or home life.

Thicha said when youths feel they are not recognised by their teachers and parents, they will try to gain recognition through bad behaviour. They also try to impress their friends who face the same problems.

"Some rapists in my centre have admitted they were not motivated by sex, but only wanted others in their gangs to accept them. Most juveniles here need to realise their own value before they can sympathise with others."

Yongyud said that in addition to lacking self-esteem, some youths were unable to control their moods or determine what was right or wrong.

Yongyud and Thicha urged schools and families to work together to assure that teenagers at risk were able to develop their self-esteem.

"Schools should try to ensure students are proud of themselves by providing activities that suit their abilities. For those who have misbehaved, relevant organisations should take care of them and their families," Yongyud said.

Wannapa Phetdee, The Nation