d. Impacts on economy, environment, health, urbanization, etc.

Economy
● Thailand is heading towards becoming a "super-aged society," with over 60s accounting
for more than a fifth of the population.
● The declining birth rate poses a challenge to the future workforce. A decreasing number
of young people entering the labor market could lead to a shortage of skilled workers.
● Thailand's status as a manufacturing hub is threatened due to the aging population. A
smaller working-age population could lead to productivity slumps in the manufacturing
sector, impacting industries such as automotive and electronics.
● The aging population may strain government finances, especially in terms of welfare for
the elderly. The ratio of working-aged to elderly people is expected to decrease,
potentially increasing the demand for elderly care and support.
Health
● Thailand introduced an affordable healthcare system, the Universal Coverage Scheme
(UCS), funded through taxation.
● The UCS provides coverage to three-quarters of the population, accounting for 17% of
the country's healthcare expenditure.
● The UCS has covered approximately 47 million people, leading to a significant reduction
in the uninsured population.
● Child mortality rates have been reduced following the introduction of the UCS.
● The correlation between poverty and infant mortality disappeared within a decade of
UCS implementation.
● By 2011, 98% of the population had access to healthcare.
● The UCS has contributed to better prevention of illnesses, allowing more people to
remain productive at work.
Environment
● Major issues include improper disposal of solid waste, air pollution from traffic
congestion and industrial emissions, noise pollution, and compromised water quality due
to agricultural deforestation and improper wastewater drainage.
● In 2022, there were over 14.8 thousand cases of environmental pollution complaints filed
in Thailand.
● Air pollution and noise pollution were the primary concerns, together constituting the
majority of the complaints.
● In 2022, Thailand produced more than 25 million metric tons of solid waste.
● The country faces challenges in solid waste management, with less than 400 proper
waste disposal sites and almost two thousand improper waste disposal sites.
Urbanization
● The country has undergone a significant transformation in a decade, shifting from 36
percent urban in the past to almost 50 percent urban in 2021.
● The increasing urbanization trend poses challenges to urban infrastructure as the city,
especially Bangkok, continues to grow.
● There is a mention of the rising number of tourists and overnight visitors to Bangkok,
contributing to the city's development and demands on infrastructure.
Government Response
● The Thai government is implementing measures to encourage higher birth rates, such
as offering support to parents, opening fertility centers, and utilizing social media
influencers to promote the benefits of family life.
● There are plans to expand fertility centers beyond major cities to 76 provinces to reach a
wider population.
REFERENCES:
Reuters. (2022, March 7). Thailand bids to avert population crisis as birth rate crashes.
Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-bids-avert-population-crisis-
birth-rate-crashes-2022-03-07/
World Economic Forum. (2019, April 4). Thailand gave healthcare to its entire population, and
the results were dramatic. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/thailand-
gave-healthcare-to-its-entire-population-and-the-results-were-dramatic/
Statista. (n.d.). Environmental pollution in Thailand. Retrieved from
https://www.statista.com/topics/9203/environmental-pollution-in-thailand/#:~:text=With%20more
%20than%2025%20million,to%20almost%20two%20thousand%20units.
Statista. (n.d.). Urbanization in Thailand. Retrieved from
https://www.statista.com/statistics/455942/urbanization-in-thailand/

e. Recommended policies and interventions.

Strengthening Geriatric Care Workforce

Objective: Address the increasing demand for elderly care services and the shortage of health
workers.
The forecasted demand for 106,000 caregivers by 2020, in addition to health
professionals, emphasizes the critical need for a geriatric care workforce. This policy aims to
bridge the workforce gap by enhancing the skills of existing professionals and attracting new
talents to specialize in geriatric care. Financial incentives and partnerships can lead
professionals, while technology integration can optimize service delivery. By addressing the
shortage of health workers and ensuring a well-trained geriatric care workforce, Thailand can
better cater to the healthcare needs of its aging population and the substantial demand for
caregivers, thereby fostering a comprehensive and sustainable elderly care ecosystem.

Adopting a pro-natalist policy

Objective: Promote population growth and address declining labor force
The government should actively promote higher fertility rates to secure an ample labor
force for the future. This strategy involves implementing policies that incentivize parents, such
as offering bonus payments for newborns, extending parental leave, providing accessible
childcare facilities, and introducing substantial tax deductions. By nurturing a skilled labor force
through present-day measures, Thailand can ensure a robust workforce in the long term,
fostering economic stability and addressing demographic concerns.

REFERENCES:
Prasartkul, P., Thaweesit, S., & Chuanwan, S. (2019). Prospects and Contexts of Demographic
Transitions in Thailand. Journal of Population and Social Studies, 27(1), 1-22.
https://doi.org/10.25133/JPSSv27n1.001
United Nations Population Fund. (2011). Impact of Demographic Change in Thailand. Retrieved
from https://thailand.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/demographic%20eng.pdf