Thailand's demographic winter: more seniors and singles, fewer kids
In its biennial report, the National Economic and Social Development Council depicts a complex reality. About 40.5 per cent of people of reproductive age had no desire to marry in 2023, up from 35.7 per cent in 2017. Government policies have been ineffective so far in reversing the trend. For more and more Thais, the “Single Income, No Kids” lifestyle is very attractive.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Thais are getting older, having fewer children, and choosing more and more to stay single, this according to the Household Social-Economic Survey by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
The study found that certain societal trends discourage people from getting married, something that will be hard to reverse.
Despite government policies to encourage births, 40.5 per cent of people of reproductive age had no desire to marry in 2023, up from 35.7 per cent in 2017.
Thailand already ranks first among Asia's low- and middle-developed economies in terms of senior citizens.
Data from the World Bank and local agencies show that the birth rate has plummeted by three-quarters to 10 per thousand in 2023, officially making Thailand an "elderly nation" with 20 per cent of the population over the age of sixty.
Thais increasingly are opting for the "Single Income, No Kids" (SINK) lifestyle, even though society still values the traditional ideal of extended, cohesive and supportive families for seniors.
The 15-to-49 age group and their desire to marry and have children have been especially impacted by the country’s transition from an agrarian to a predominantly urban society, from traditional to increasingly globalised values, not to mention serious current economic challenges, especially in cities.
The consequences of an aging population are already visible, and urgent and exceptional measures are needed. The government led by Srettha Thavisin has already stated that it would make the issue a priority.
Greater openness to migrants is partly mitigating the problem, by rejuvenating the workforce. This is preventing it from shrinking to the point of discouraging investment or slowing down crucial economic sectors.
After scrutinising government policies, including those by the current government, which took power less than a year ago, the NESDC concluded that available incentives are insufficient, especially compared to other countries that offer more financial support to families with children.
Other factors include low average incomes, the rising cost of living, and a struggling economy.
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07/02/2022 16:05
23/01/2024 14:30
