A cheerful scene greeted visitors at the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan) last year on Oct 1, as a woman had her blood pressure checked during an event to mark the International Day for Older Persons. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
But beneath the surface of Thailand’s vibrant community activities lies a ticking “invisible time bomb” — the nation’s population crisis. According to Varawut Silpa-archa, the minister of social development and human security, this critical issue needs immediate government intervention. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes to stave off future problems. Speaking at a forum organized by the National Press Council of Thailand, he said, “Environmental issues are visible, but this [population crisis] is an invisible time bomb. If it is not addressed, it will certainly cause problems within the next ten years.”
Societies worldwide are grappling with a myriad of challenges, including environmental concerns, diseases, digital transformation, and demographic shifts. These factors strain the economy and fuel political discord, making social issues increasingly complex and sensitive. “No single policy can address these issues; collaboration among various sectors is required,” the minister emphasized.
Thailand is no exception, facing the dual pressures of an ageing population and declining birth rates. “Thailand’s population has decreased by around 500,000 in the past four years,” Varawut noted. “In about 20-25 years, it is forecast to drop from 66 million to 58 million. If not addressed, in about 50-60 years it will decline to just 33 million.”
He explained that rapid changes in climate and technology are profoundly affecting daily life, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the disabled, and the elderly, who together make up one-third of the population. The working-age population also faces escalating financial responsibilities and caregiving burdens.
Addressing these challenges necessitates tackling why people are less inclined to have children. Varawut unveiled a comprehensive plan dubbed “5×5 Let’s Turn the Tide” to confront the issue head-on. This strategy focuses on empowering the working-age population and equipping them for early retirement by enhancing their skills and financial literacy. Simultaneously, it seeks to improve the quality and productivity of children and younger adults and promote active aging through better healthcare, social engagement, and technology training.
The plan also champions the inclusivity and capability of people with disabilities. Rather than sympathy, it advocates for independence by fostering their skills, thereby crafting a society where productivity and inclusion go hand in hand. Part of this initiative involves creating an ecosystem with accessible education and transportation, tackling drug issues, protecting the environment, and managing resources judiciously.
Varawut also highlighted the establishment of the Human Security Emergency Management Center, which operates under the Ministry of Social Development and Welfare and can be reached via the 1300 hotline. Since its launch early this year, the center has dealt with between 12,000 and 18,000 reports monthly — over half of which pertain to family issues and domestic violence. “The family is the smallest unit of the community and Thai society, but it is the starting point for building a strong society,” Varawut concluded.
The government needs to step up its game. Thailand’s population crisis isn’t something you can just ignore.
Totally agree, but isn’t it also up to the people to change their mindset?
Sure, mindset is important, but government policies can significantly influence public behavior and outlook.
Exactly, the government should provide incentives for having more kids, like better child care support.
Isn’t this just another example of the government trying to control people’s lives? Let individuals decide for themselves!
It’s not about control, it’s about creating an environment where people feel secure enough to have children.
Balance is key. The government and the people need to work together.
This ‘5×5 Let’s Turn the Tide’ plan sounds promising, but is it really practical?
Plans are great on paper, but implementation is where most governments fail.
Very true, but a plan is better than no plan at all. Hope they follow through.
Why is no one talking about the impact of technology on the youth and their decision not to have kids?
Well, technology makes life easier but also creates more stress. Young people are opting for careers over family.
Exactly, the pressure to succeed in the digital age is immense and leaves little room for family planning.
Precisely! It’s a complex issue that needs addressing from multiple angles.
Instead of just focusing on birth rates, why not improve the life quality for the elderly who are already here?
Good point! Often the elderly get overlooked in favor of future generations.
It’s a vicious cycle. If you don’t take care of the older generation, young people will think twice about growing old here.
Varawut’s point about climate change affecting daily life is crucial. Are we really ready for the environmental challenges ahead?
Climate change and population issues are interconnected. Ignoring one makes the other worse.
Yep, better environmental policies could ease some population pressures.
How about we focus on renewable energy to help low-income families? It could free up resources to support older populations.
Renewable energy is great, but we need the infrastructure first.
Agreed, investing in renewables now can pay off in the long run.
No one’s addressing the root cultural issues here. Why do people feel they can’t afford kids?
People are barely making ends meet as it is. The cost of living and raising a child is just too high.
Honestly, it’s not just about money. Personal freedom and career aspirations also play a huge role.
The Human Security Emergency Management Center sounds like a useful initiative. More resources should go into that.
Such initiatives are only as good as their long-term funding. Governments often cut these budgets.
The decline in population could also mean less strain on natural resources. Not everything about decreasing birth rates is negative.
Interesting point, Mark. However, an aging population presents its own challenges like higher healthcare costs.
We should learn from countries like Japan who have been dealing with this for years. No need to reinvent the wheel.