Thailand has taken a significant step forward in addressing the challenges associated with an aging population in Southeast Asia.
The country has done this by signing an agreement to establish the ASEAN Center for Active Aging and Innovation (ACAI). The ACAI will serve as a crucial knowledge base in the field of active aging. It not only provides policy advice, but also facilitates research and innovations to support older communities in Thailand and surrounding countries.
This development is a direct response to the demographic shift within the region, which is expected to have a substantial impact on healthcare, the economy, societies and the environment, among others, due to an increasing number of elderly people.
The agreement was signed last Monday, March 11, by Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, Thailand's Minister of Health, together with Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert, who acted as the representative of the ACAI management. Thailand, known as one of the fastest aging countries in the world with a senior population of 12 million out of a total of 67 million, is poised to become a super-aging society within the next decade. This means that more than 28% of the population will be 60 years or older. However, this demographic shift is not unique to Thailand; other ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar are already in the aging phase.
The establishment of the ACAI was unanimously approved by all ten ASEAN member states on May 20 last year, with Thailand as the host country. Thailand's Ministry of Medical Services, the Department of International Health and the Office of the Permanent Secretary will provide support to the ACAI through staffing, funding, and the provision of a location. This location is located on the third floor of the DMS Innovation and Health Technology for the Elderly Building.
To support the center's activities, the Thai government has committed a budget of up to $5 million (about 177 million baht) over the next five years.
With the current particulate matter levels, Thailand does not have to worry that the number of elderly people will become a problem.