Thailand Faces An Aging Population

BANGKOK – Thai former deputy prime minister Kosit Panpiumrat has warned that Thailand’s population is aging as the percentage of the elderly has increased and people of working age is declining, Thai News Agency reported.

Speaking at a seminar on population development under the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan 2012-2016, Kosit said the Thai population should stop growing and remain at 66 million, and that by 2027 people of working age should bear the burden of supporting children and the elderly.

Kosit suggested the government’s macroeconomic policies include welfare cost for the elderly, and that populist policies are necessary for the country’s short term economic stimulation. – BERNAMA

Thailand