Thailand can still enjoy the “demographic dividend”, phenomenon of lower dependency
ratio, for only a decade (Wongboonsin 2003). The overall dependency ratio, which keeps
falling until 2010 (Table 1), will reverse to rise due to an increase proportion of the
elderly. Population age 60+ will increase to more than 10% in 2010 and reach 20%
within 25 years. In 2050 nearly one third of Thailand’s population will be age 60 and
over. Latest in around 2005, Thailand entered the period of an "ageing society". By the
year 2030 the proportion of elderly in the Thai population is expected to increase to 15
percent. The survey of population change 2005 and analysis form administrative database
of Bureau of Registration Administration, Ministry of Interior showed the same pattern
that total fertility rate decreases rapidly than previous estimation. The total fertility rate of
Thailand is far below the replacement level now. It means that Thailand will face the
elderly problem earlier. Issues of urbanization make this problem more complicate.