Average Height in Thailand (2026 Data)
The average height in Thailand is approximately 5'7" (170 cm) for men and 5'2" (158 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Thai National Health Examination Survey data. Thailand ranks near the global average for men and slightly below for women.
Average Height in Thailand: Men and Women
Adult height in Thailand reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 170 cm (5'7"); for women, about 158 cm (5'2"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Thailand. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Thailand
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 172 cm (5'8") | 159 cm (5'3") |
| 26–35 | 171 cm (5'7") | 159 cm (5'3") |
| 36–50 | 170 cm (5'7") | 158 cm (5'2") |
| 50+ | 169 cm (5'7") | 157 cm (5'2") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Thai National Health Examination Survey data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Thailand Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Compared to this, Thai men are 1 cm shorter and women are 1 cm shorter.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Thai men are 5 cm shorter than US men on average; Thai women are 4 cm shorter than US women.
Thailand's position near the global average reflects its Southeast Asian population genetics combined with a traditionally rice-based diet, with heights steadily increasing alongside the country's economic development and improved nutrition programs.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but nutrition in the first years of life matters enormously at the population level. Thailand's average stature is shaped by Southeast Asian population genetics and a traditionally rice-based diet that has diversified significantly with economic growth.
Thailand's school lunch programs and public health initiatives have contributed to measurable height gains among younger generations. Urban populations tend to be slightly taller than rural populations, reflecting differences in dietary diversity and healthcare access.
Comparing your personal height to Thailand's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Thailand's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Thai National Health Examination Survey data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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