Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Authorities reported on Family Day on April 14 that Thailand’s divorce rate has soared by 23 percent in the past 10 years.
Read the following story from the Bangkok Post to learn more about this finding.
The divorce rate has increased by 23 percent over the past decade, an indication of more fragile marital relationships in modern society, the Public Health Ministry revealed on April 14 to mark Family Day.
MORE DIVORCE
Last year there were about 22 million registered households in the country, including 296,258 newly registered couples, ministry spokeswoman Phanphimol Wipulakorn said, citing figures from the Department of Provincial Administration. That same year, 111,810 couples filed for divorce, a 23 percent rise when compared with the number of divorces in 2004, Phanphimol said.
STRESSFUL SITUATIONS
Phanphimol said that the two main reasons for divorce were work-related stress and a new set of values in Thai society in which people like to live more independent lives and tend to have less tolerance for difficulties. When they encounter problems, many want to end their relationships rather than stick them out, Phanphimol said.
CHILD CARE
After getting a divorce, many parents enjoy the freedom it brings, even though some might have custody of their children.
“Even if their marriages may have ended, single parents should never allow their divorce to obstruct their role as parents,” Phanphimol said. “Children still yearn for as much care from their parents as before.”
Parents with custody of children should allow their ex-spouses to visit and spend time with their children regularly, she added. That way, children whose parents have divorced won’t feel abandoned by their parents. Warmth, care and advice from parents will help shape their lives in the future, Phanphimol said.
Exercises
Read the story. Then, decide whether each of the following statements is true or false.
1. The divorce rate has increased by 23 percent over the past 10 years.
……………….
2. Last year, 111,810 couples had filed for divorce in Thailand.
……………….
3. Phanphimol said parents with custody of children shouldn’t allow their ex-spouses to visit and spend time with their children regularly.
……………….
4. Thailand’s Family Day falls on April 4.
……………….
Vocabulary
- marital (adj): connected with marriage or with the relationship between a husband and wife
custody (n): the legal right or duty to take care of or keep somebody or something
yearn (v): to want something very much
