This study examined the prevalence of stunting-overweight and socio-demographic determinants among children under-five years of age, as well as associations with infant and young child feeding (IYCF) among children aged 6–23 months.

Secondary data analysis based on the Thailand Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2015–2016.

Cross-national study.

Nationally representative sample of children under-five years of age (n 12 313).

The prevalence of wasting, stunting, overweight and stunting-overweight was 5·3, 10·5, 10·1 and 1·6 %, respectively. In multivariate analyses, children under 6 months, children from low and middle wealth tertiles, and children living in rural areas were prone to being wasted. Male children, low wealth tertile and a non-Thai speaking household head were positively and children aged 48–59 months and a one-child household were inversely associated with stunting. Children from a low wealth tertile were less likely to be overweight, while older age, male children and children from a one-child household were more likely to be overweight. Stunting-overweight was associated with children aged 24–47 months, male children, mothers having secondary education, a one-child household, a non-Thai speaking household head and an urban area. In terms of IYCF indicators, despite no association with stunting and stunted-overweight children, current breast-feeding and inadequate meal frequency were associated with being wasting, while current breast-feeding and dietary diversity were inversely associated with being overweight.

This study revealed the double burden of malnutrition at the individual and population levels among Thai children under-five, which calls for concrete integrated interventions to tackle all forms of malnutrition.