Abstract
Thailand established the National Elderly Council in 1982
to begin to address issues impacting the elderly.
Nine years later, in 1991, as the United Nations Assembly recognized elderly rights with respect to autonomy, involvement, care, self-satisfaction and esteem Thailand established the “National Committee of Senior Citizens,” culminating in 2002 with the Second National Plan for Older Person (2002–2021). This plan focused on the development of policies and programs to support older persons. Some successful program activities are highlighted: (a) promoting a positive attitude
toward elderly persons, (b) promoting health for the elderly, and (c) social protection for the elderly. The Second National Plan for Older Persons in Thailand is being successfully implemented and progress has been made at many levels toward building an aging-friendly society. The Thai government needs to continue to play an active role in facilitating the implementation of the plan and, as importantly, there needs to be commitments from all participating sectors (public, private, municipalities) in order to achieve the identified aims set forth in the plan.