The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a new "Bangkok for Teen" campaign, aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy in the capital through consultations and providing birth control.
Deputy Bangkok governor Pussadee Tamthai, who presided over the opening ceremony of the campaign on Wednesday at Taksin Hospital, said the BMA initiated the campaign as there has been no reduction in the number of "teen mums", even though programmes to reduce teenage pregnancies have been in place for the past decade.
She said a conservative mindset is among the factors that are hindering progress.
"Cultural conservatism in our society has been hampering efforts for state agencies to tackle the problems," Ms Pussadee said, adding people need to broaden their minds to have frank discussions about sexual issues with teenagers.
"Adolescents are still not practising safe sex because they are unaware of the consequences of unplanned pregnancies," she said.
Under the BMA new campaign, contraceptive implants were also introduced with cooperation from various agencies including ThaiHealth.
The birth-control implant will be provided weekly free of charge for teenagers at hospitals under the Department of Medical Services and at Taksin Hospital on Wednesdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.
The period of birth control will be three or five years.
Ms Pussadee also urged families to discuss responsible sex with teenagers to educate them on how to have safe sex to prevent pregnancy.
"The problem of teen mums should involve everyone from healthcare to schools and communities. It is everyone's responsibility," she said.
The BMA hopes the campaign could reduce the number of pregnant students being pulled out of schools.
Nada Waeyusoh, president of the Children and Youth Council of Thailand, said life skills and self-development can help address the problem.
"Aside from sex education, schools should help their students develop problem-solving skills," she said.
At the campaign event, a young representative from the Children and Youth Council of Thailand said sex education in all schools must be taught in a practical way to create a proper understanding of safe sex.
A doctor performs a contraceptive implant at the launch of the Bangkok for Teen campaign to reduce teenage pregnancies.
According to a ThaiHealth survey, 130,000 teenagers became mothers last year, compared with 115,000 between 10-19 years of age, in 2014.
The survey also showed adolescents aged below 15 are at a higher risk of repeat pregnancy for several reasons, including peer pressure from friends and the use of websites and social media.
The BMA has been working closely with ThaiHealth through the Path2Health Foundation and healthcare services in local areas to provide medical services for teenagers and prevent unsafe abortions.
According to Ms Pussadee, the BMA will also provide counselling for teenagers who need advice, initially in Din Daeng, Watthana and Klong Toey districts.