Thailand. We’re not nearly ready for the ageing society
As the dwindling workforce compounds looming challenges, there are examples of sound measures to follow
Thais are not ageing faster than other nationalities, but the challenges we face with the ballooning population of senior citizens are compounded by a tendency to retire early from the workforce and move into “slow life” mode. A recent report said Thailand could face a serious manpower crisis sooner than other countries with ageing societies. It’s become clear that the present and future governments will have to attach greater importance to this issue. In less than two decades, the number of Thais at age 65 and up – the senior citizens – will constitute more than 20 per cent of the population. Societies are said to begin ageing when that proportion is just 7 per cent. By the time the figure reaches 20 per cent, the society’s ability to cope with senior needs is severely tested. In Japan, the figure is already above 25 per cent, and not even that country’s robust economy can protect it from dire consequences.
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