Promoting Wellness for Thai College Students

College students in Thailand experience health and mental health issues that impact their wellness-the condition of good physical, mental, and emotional health. The health profile of Thai college students is shaped by weight, sexual practices, and substance use. Many Thai college students develop health-related problems due to their weight or perceptions of being overweight (Wardle, Haase, & Steptoe, 2006). Limited knowledge and inaccurate perceptions regarding safe sex practices have increased the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases for this population (Tangmunkongvorakul, Kane, & Wellings, 2005). Furthermore, substance use has been found to be high among Thai college students who experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse as children (Jirapramukpitak, Prince, & Harpham, 2005). The mental health profile of Thai college students is shaped by stress, anxiety, and negative thinking, which can lead to depression (Charoensuk, 2007; Ross et al., 2005). Among Thai college students, depression often leads to substance abuse and suicidal ideation (Boonyamalik, 2005).