Publication: Caring for Thailand’s Aging Population
Date
2021-04
ISSN
Published
2021-04
Author(s)
Glinskaya, Elena
Walker, Thomas
Wanniarachchi, Thisuri
Abstract
Thailand is the second-fastest aging
country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) after Singapore, and it is growing old before it
grows rich. Thailand has already made considerable progress
in recognizing the ageing challenge and has initiated policy
reforms and development programs to address it at both
national and local levels. The 2012–16 National Economic and
Social Development Plan and, more recently, the 2017–2036
National Strategy, underscore the welfare of older persons
as a government priority. At the heart of Thailand’s
approach is universal health insurance, supported by a
community-based primary health care system with a reliance
on volunteers. Thailand is now working to expand access to
long-term care (LTC) at the community level as part of this
volunteer-supported primary health care system. This report
was prepared based largely on secondary sources, given the
limitations on travel during 2020. It makes use of the
comprehensive results of the Survey of Older Persons in
Thailand, as well as excellent studies produced by various
government, non-government, and academic authors.
Nevertheless, in preparing the report the authors noted
considerable data gaps, especially on private sector
services, costs and usage, labor force, and projections of
future demand for care. The team fact-checked the report
with various country and sector experts; however, it should
be considered a preliminary overview of the current
situation. Additional data and consultation are needed to
elaborate on the recommendations provided in this report.
Citation
“Glinskaya, Elena; Walker, Thomas; Wanniarachchi, Thisuri. 2021. Caring for Thailand’s Aging Population. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35693 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”