Save the Children Thailand is inviting people across the country to take part in the “RUNPAO Keep Going: The Neighborhood Run” campaign organized by YUEDPAO through its flagship event “RUNPLAO”. This nationwide virtual run encourages participants to run anywhere near home on October 18, 2025, to raise awareness and public support for mental health services for children and youth. For every 2 kilometers run, 1 baht will be donated to Save the Children Thailand, which will use the funds to support mental health interventions for children in Khlong Toei communities and school networks across Thailand.

According to Save the Children, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF [1] shows that in 2021, an estimated 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 (15%) globally were living with a mental health condition, and suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among youth aged 15–19. Yet most children and adolescents, particularly in middle-income countries like Thailand, do not receive the care they need—due to limited resources, poor access to services, social stigma, and a lack of understanding of mental health.

Mr. Guillaume Rachou, Country Director of Save the Children Thailand, stated:

“According to our own research with LGBTQ+ youth in Thailand [2], nearly one in four experience moderate to severe levels of depression or anxiety. Alarmingly, more than one in four reported having seriously considered ending their life in the past year. Most do not seek help—mainly because of fear of stigma.”

“Mental health is not a distant issue. Every child deserves care—for their body, mind, and sense of self-worth. This ‘Neighborhood Run’ campaign is an opportunity for society to come together and say: every step you take can help create safe emotional spaces for children—and let them know they are not alone.”

The campaign is now open for registration via the Wirtual app. Participants can join the “Keep Going: The Neighborhood Run” challenge and run anytime, anywhere in Thailand on October 18, 2025, with a chance to win one of 1,000 limited-edition Ultra Flow Keep Going Collection sport shirts.

Because physical health may be the goal of running, but mental health is the reason we keep going together.

🔗 Learn more: Instagram post

📚 References:

[1]Mental Health of Children and Young People – UNICEF & WHO, 2021

[2] Mental Health and Well-being of Children and Youth with Diverse SOGIESC – Save the Children Thailand, 2023