BANGKOK -- The average intelligence quotient (IQ) of Thai teenagers is 87, below the international standard level of 90 to 110, which could retard the country's development, according to results of a national survey published recently.

Dr. Chanphen Choo-prapawan, director of a research project on children's development, was quoted by the ****Nation***** newspaper as saying the survey was conducted last year and showed a decline of five points from a similar study conducted five years ago.

"Our country will not be able to be competitive in the international world if Thais' average IQ is on the decline," she said.

Dr. Chanphen said only 10 percent of Thai teens in the latest study had IQs higher than 110, while between 30 and 40 percent tested 70 or lower, DPA reported.

She said young people with low IQs are prone to be poor at decision-making and problem-solving and likely to be more vulnerable to getting hooked on illicit drugs. "(A sub-standard IQ) may not be a problem for an individual, but if we view it from a lager perspective we will see that this is a serious problem for society," she said. "For a country to move ahead, the majority of the population should have a fair IQ level."

Dr. Chanphen blamed the poor average on parents who do not know how to raise children in a way that is favorable to their development.

"Parents play a very important role for children's development, especially in the first two years," she said.