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First Nationwide IQ/EQ Survey Among 2-15 Year Olds

Thailand's Department of Mental Health survey over 8,400 primary and secondary students nationwide to determine the median levels of their intelligence quotients (IQ) and emotional quotients (EQ), according to the agency's chief.

Dr ML Somchai Chakraphand, director-general of the Mental Health Department, told reporters that the survey was prompted by concerns about the academic achievements of children aged 6-12 years old.

Sample IQ test results taken in 2002 suggested that the average IQ level in that age group is slipping, compared with earlier results in 1996-1997, he said.

Meanwhile, another worrisome trend emerged from previous EQ surveys. It was found that young people between the age of 10-18 scored lowest in terms of creativity, analytical and ethical thinking.

Over 8,400 students aged between 2-15 from schools in 15 provinces nationwide including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakorn Ratchasima and Songkhla will be sampled this time.

According to Dr Somchai, the findings, when finalised in March next year, will contribute to a better understanding of the intellectual and emotional development of young people in Thailand.

"This is not a one-off attempt. We will conduct an IQ/EQ survey at regular intervals to ensure that Thai children can compete with those overseas," director-general said.

Meanwhile, ABAC Poll survey results published on Tuesday showed that nearly half of over 1,500 respondants in the Greater Bangkok region said they do not know what IQ means. When asked to fill in the questionaire, they could not answer. At the same time, over 60 per cent of the interviewees said they did not understand the term EQ.

Source: MCOT 29 November

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