From Thai PBS: “Slumping Birth Rate Poses Urgent Policy Challenges for Government“

By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk

[Image of a Thai nurse holding a baby in a hospital]. (2022).

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/slumping-birth-rate-poses-urgent-policy-challenges-for-government/.

The article by Thai PBS talks about how Thailand has been experiencing a declining trend in birth rates over the past couple of years, with record low numbers being recorded over the last year. While the global average for fertility rates is ~2.1-2.4 live births per woman, Thailand has reported that the average family sustains a low rate of reproduction at 1.3 children. The Government of Thailand is worried about the potential negative socioeconomic consequences that may be caused by an aging population without an adequate replacement rate. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Thailand is nearing a “complete-aged society,” meaning that the senior population (ages 60+) will exceed 20 percent of the country’s total population. They also estimate that the country will obtain a “super-aged society” status, with senior citizens accounting for more than 28 percent of Thailand’s population, in 2033.

There are a couple of main factors behind Thailand’s declining birth rates, that explain why families are choosing to postpone having children or not have any altogether. Modern lifestyles make it difficult to support dependents due to the high costs of raising a child. Currently, the average Thai worker does not make a high enough income to meet their spending practices. Furthermore, in order to support a child, families would have to pay for expenses related to child-care in the form of nurseries, high-quality education, healthcare, food, and more.

State agencies are trying to find new incentives to encourage families to have children. Some of the measures that they have discussed implementing include approving maternity/paternity leave, changing surrogacy or reproductive technology laws, and a more substantial grant for raising children.

The article shares the ideas and opinions of various people across society, such as quotes from parents and people from various organizations, like the Thailand Development Research Institute, Equitable Education Research Institute, and the Ministry of Public Health. Additionally, there is also a link to a similar article published about “Thailand’s birth rate falling over past five years.” These help to provide multiple perspectives about the situation, and background context for why this trend has been occurring. It also offers different viewpoints on the approaches that the government may take.