The risk of premarital sex among Thai youth: individual and family influences

Abstract

Based on the data from a national survey, this paper identifies individual and family correlates of premarital sex among youth in contemporary Thailand. The analysis draws upon the framing assumption that in all societies the family provides individuals with socialization, protection and support in various aspects of life including protection from harmful behaviors of different forms. Two sets of explanatory measures are examined: (i) measures of family structure and process, and (ii) individual-level characteristics, with socio-demographic background measures as a set of controls. Results do not allow a firm conclusion about the link between the family and individual-level measures with premarital sex. Nevertheless, the findings do indicate that family and individual-level factors are important enough to warrant policy attention.