NESDB reveal surprising increase in theft countrywide

"So far, only 18.5 per cent of the cases have been solved," NESDB deputy secretary-general Suwannee Khamman said yesterday.

NESDB was reporting on the country's social situation over the three-month period starting from July. 

Suwannee said the thefts had increased because more people were willing to buy stolen vehicles.

"They can be sold either as a whole or as spare parts," she explained. "That is why it is quite difficult to nail the suspects."

According to the report, most of the thefts took place in Bangkok and adjacent provinces.

Though thefts are on the rise, sexual crime, physical assaults and murders have reduced by 18.1 per cent to 7,690 cases when compared to the same period last year. 

Large-scale burglaries have also dropped by 13.4 per cent to 17,837 cases, while crimes committed by youths have reduced by 13.6 per cent to 12,259.

With regards to people's behaviour and lives, NESDB found that alcohol/tobacco consumption had dropped slightly in the third quarter when compared with the same period last year.

"However, up to 21.9 per cent youngsters between the ages of 15 and 24 consume alcohol while 12.1 per cent smoke tobacco," Suwannee pointed out.

In a study of youth behaviour, NESDB found that young Thais were more interested in entertainment than study. According to the report, 68 per cent of students nationwide spent more time watching TV or movies, while only 41 per cent spent time studying.

In a special report, NESDB also said that media could easily influence young people.

"So, we have to encourage positive content in media," Suwanee added.