Demographic Reality
Population ageing is defined as the increasing proportion
of older persons (60 years and above) in the total
population. As a consequence of sustained declines in
fertility and mortality during the last three decades of the
20th century, Thailand faces a rapidly growing population
of older persons. For the first time in the history of the
country, the population of older persons will exceed the
population of children around 2020. This demographic
change has far-reaching socio-economic implications that
require an appropriate policy response.
Thailand is a signatory to the International Plan of Action
on Ageing adopted at the Second World Assembly on
Ageing held in Madrid in 2002. The Plan calls for a better
understanding on the part of Government, civil society and
the community of the ageing situation and its consequences
so that older persons can be fully integrated into society
and assured a life of dignity and good health.