“The total fertility rate in Thailand has fallen from 6.4 births per woman in 1964 to 1.46 in 2023. Current projections suggest the rate could fall further to 1.3 by 2040. At present, Thailand’s population is approximately 70 million.”
“By contrast, by 2074, it could shrink to 30 million, less than half its current size. The decline has begun. Ministry reports indicate that from 2022 to 2023, the population fell by 35,000. Over the past four years, the population decreased by more than 500,000. Births now lag deaths by over 100,000 annually, excluding immigration.”
“Thailand is one of the first large countries to confront a major fertility problem without achieving high-income status. The demographic shift has economic implications. A shrinking workforce affects productivity.”
“Rising social security costs strain government budgets. As a result, Thailand’s Social Security Fund could face insolvency within a decade if current trends continue. The ageing population has already impacted consumer markets. The number of elderly citizens over 60 exceeds 13 million.”
See also: Party touts novel childcare coupons to woo voters
“The [Thai Sang Thai] party announced it will issue childcare coupons worth 2,000 baht per month starting from pregnancy until the child turns six – a period it calls the ‘golden window’ for optimal brain and physical development.”