In the next five years, Thailand faces crucial economic decisions. With forecasts suggesting growth from government stimulus and tourism, while warning of structural weaknesses and external pressures, Thailand is navigating a path full of opportunities and hurdles. The focus is on essential reforms and strategic investments that will shape the country's future.
Thailand is taking a groundbreaking step in addressing the challenges surrounding an aging population in Southeast Asia. Through the establishment of the ASEAN Center for Active Aging and Innovation (ACAI), the country is committed to being a central source of knowledge for active aging. This initiative, which provides policy advice, research, and innovative solutions, aims to support the aging society in Thailand and surrounding countries. With this movement, Thailand is responding to demographic shifts that will have profound consequences in multiple social areas.
'AOW entitlement age of Dutch people to 70?'
The proposed increase in the state pension age to 70 is meeting resistance in the Netherlands. Research shows that working longer is necessary, but many employees already experience the current retirement age as too high. This raises questions about the feasibility and impact on both the labor market and the well-being of employees.
Not enough Thai children
Thailand faces a demographic challenge: a looming shortage of young people and an increasing aging population. The Thai government is looking for solutions to avoid a future with predominantly elderly people. Their plan: a birth incentive campaign and the establishment of fertility centers. But is this enough to tackle the drastic social changes?
Thailand on the brink of an aging crisis: Older people in poverty
Thailand, once known as the 'Land of Smiles', now faces an unprecedented aging challenge. While the population is aging rapidly, current government pensions fall short of guaranteeing a dignified old age. Many have to choose between basic needs and medical care, putting pressure on the country's economic and social structure. This in-depth report highlights the personal stories and larger implications of this impending crisis.
Reform of the Thai pension system is urgently needed due to rising costs and an aging population
Thailand is facing a critical moment as the aging population increases and current pension schemes fall short. With a population expected to be over 40 by almost 2050% by 60, reforms are inevitable. This article highlights the shortcomings of the current system, examines proposals for change and emphasizes the urgency of an inclusive and sustainable pension system.
"Changes in Thai pension payments cause political storm"
Thailand's Interior Ministry recently made changes to pension payments for the elderly, sparking significant criticism and political debate. Several political parties and civil society networks have expressed concern, especially about the potential impact on the most vulnerable elderly. While the government argues that these adjustments are necessary given the growing elderly population, critics fear that millions could lose their pension rights.
Discover Thailand (15): The population and demographics
The Thai population consists of approximately 69 million people and is one of the fastest growing populations in Asia. Thailand is a diverse country, with people of different ethnic origins, including Thai, Chinese, Mon, Khmer and Malay. Most people in Thailand are Buddhists, although there are also small minorities of other religions such as Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.
A lost generation?
I have been living in the Thai countryside since November 2021, in a small village in Udon Thani with approximately 700 inhabitants. When I look around me when I walk, cycle or drive through the village, I mainly see old people, middle-aged Thais (40-50) with the children away from home and very few young people and children. And on average twice a month I hear the explosion of fireworks that are set off during a cremation in the temple. Another (sick) oldiedeceased. The village is only getting smaller because I haven't seen a baby yet. The primary school has 3 teachers and 23 children and is doomed.
Thailand is aging rapidly
Thailand is aging very strongly. It is already an outdated society and the country will become a 'super-aged' society by 2031, by which time 28% of the population will be 60 years or older.
Reader Submission: Elderly care in Thailand
Today I read in a small post on page 3 of the Bangkok Post that the Thai Health Promotion Foundation found that the majority (96.9%) of seniors under the age of 69 did not need care from others and that 2% of the elderly of 80 years and older depend on outside help.
Senior Hospital for Thai in Bangkok
This week a posting appeared on the Thailand blog (September 28, 2019) “Getting old and sick in Thailand”. Most farangs living in Thailand are 50+ and all hope for a long and healthy life. Enjoying their autumn days in a pleasant climate.
Society in Thailand is aging rapidly
The aging society and the declining number of births stand in the way of Thailand's development, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) warns.
"If I can't work, I don't know what to do with myself"
3,4 million of Thailand's 8,6 million over-60s continue to work past retirement age. Pure financial necessity for most; for Wattana Sithikol (68) because he loves his work as a waiter. His customers adore him.
As of this year, Thai taxpayers may enter an unlimited number of children as a deduction. Foster children also provide a tax benefit, but there is a maximum of three.
The Ministry of Health wants Thai women to live healthier lives and have babies in order to do something about the advancing aging of the country. They have therefore published a brochure with lifestyle advice.
Thailand must make plans for stroke prevention because the country is aging rapidly. Older age remains a risk factor, yet 90 percent of strokes are preventable, says Canadian professor Vladimir Hachinski.