Teenage Marriage and Educational Continuation in Thailand

Abstract

It was estimated that in 2006, 14 percent of Thai women aged 15-19 were
ever married, despite the great majority of Thai females delaying marriage. Many young females do not continue their education until the end of upper secondary level. Thus, this study examines the relationship between the timing of marriage and educational continuation. Longitudinal data of the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance System (KDSS) 2000-2004 of the Institute for Population and Social Research was used for the analysis. The study population was females aged 15 to 19 and unmarried at the time of enrollment into the KDSS. The study used life table methods and discrete time logistic regression. The life table analysis found that risk of teenage marriage was lower among those who were able to continue their education. The discrete time logistic regression also found a significant relationship between the odds of the timing of marriage and
educational continuation. This study finding provides strong evidence to give more emphasis on effective implementation of the Thai education policy, which requires universal secondary education for both sexes. It will help not only to ensure educational continuation but also to reduce teenage marriage.