Thailand is witnessing a surge in the availability and promotion of precision medicine and genetic testing, alongside a growing trend of businesses marketing “gene tests” to parents, promising insights into their children’s innate talents and abilities. These tests, costing between 5,000 and 10,000 baht, have gained popularity among parents and schools hoping to tailor education and development to a child’s perceived strengths. However, medical specialists are cautioning against the reliability of such claims.
The human genome comprises approximately 25,000 genes, each containing over 3 billion base pairs of genetic code. Whereas individuals share over 99% of their genetic makeup, the remaining 1% accounts for variations in physical traits. Alterations in this genetic code can sometimes lead to disease. However, experts emphasize that the significance of variations in certain gene positions remains unclear and genetic testing should be conducted under the supervision of qualified medical professionals, particularly those specializing in medical genetics.
Current recommendations from the Child Development and Behavioral Association and the Medical Genetics and Genomics Association do not support genetic testing to identify or predict talents and intelligence. Experts warn that, beyond a lack of proven efficacy, such testing could have numerous negative consequences. Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Director of the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), stated in an interview with Bangkok Business that the institute’s “Genomic Thailand” project has demonstrated the unreliability of these talent-predicting tests. He cautioned that overreliance on test results could lead to children being forced into paths dictated by perceived genetic predispositions, potentially neglecting other areas where they might excel.
Dr. Supakit cited research conducted in Germany on composer Ludwig van Beethoven as an example. Scientists extracted and analyzed Beethoven’s genetic code, assessing his musical aptitude using current gene-testing criteria. The results revealed a genetic score for musical ability below 10%, lower than the average person. “If Beethoven’s mother had believed this test result, she might not have encouraged him to pursue music, and the world might have been deprived of a musical genius,” Dr. Supakit explained. He further emphasized that even identical twins, sharing nearly 100% of their genetic material, can exhibit vastly different levels of intelligence and aptitude when raised in different environments, highlighting the limited role of genetics in shaping human potential.
While genetics can play a role in certain predispositions – such as genes linked to congenital blindness, as identified through the Genomic Thailand project, which provided reassurance to a mother concerned about a third pregnancy after two children were born with the condition – Dr. Supakit stressed that genetics is not an absolute determinant of success. He noted that genes might account for only 25-30% of athletic ability, for example, with learning, training, and environmental factors being far more crucial.
The Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) is currently investigating clinics and healthcare facilities advertising gene tests for talent assessment, deeming such practices misleading and unfair to consumers. Businesses are reportedly circumventing regulations by using the term “talent” instead of explicitly referencing medical assessments, making enforcement more difficult.
Dr. Kanokporn Choothaworn, a specialist in child development and behavior at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, echoed these concerns. She explained that a child’s development and intelligence are shaped by a complex interplay of internal biological factors, the nervous system, and external influences such as upbringing, experiences, training, and environment. Genetic information is just one component of this multifaceted process. “Currently, there is no medical research that conclusively demonstrates the effectiveness of using genetic data to predict human skills and talents,” Dr. Kanokporn stated. She added that inaccurate predictions based on genetic information could lead to inappropriate parenting and educational approaches, potentially hindering a child’s development and limiting their exposure to diverse experiences.
Dr. Supakit concluded by urging parents to exercise discretion when considering such services, emphasizing the importance of observing a child’s natural inclinations and fostering an environment conducive to learning, rather than relying on unproven genetic tests.