Thailand Faces Demographic Shift: Declining Population, Aging Workforce, and Economic Concerns
Thailand is navigating a significant demographic transformation, marked by a declining population and a rapidly aging society. Recent data reveals a notable decrease in the nation’s overall population, alongside a growing proportion of elderly citizens, presenting complex challenges for the country’s labor market and economic future.
Population Decline and Gender Imbalance
In 2025, Thailand’s population registered a decline of over 142,000 individuals, bringing the total to approximately 65.8 million. This demographic trend is accompanied by a distinct gender imbalance, with women outnumbering men by nearly 1.5 million. This disparity, coupled with an increasing share of the elderly, underscores an accelerating aging trend within the population.
While Bangkok continues to be the most populous region with 5,469,328 residents, Ang Thong province recorded the smallest population, with 266,323 inhabitants.
The Growing Challenge of an Aging Workforce
The aging of Thailand’s population is not merely a statistical observation but a pressing concern with tangible economic implications. Minister of Labor Treenuch Thienthong has voiced significant worries about the rising unemployment rates among the elderly. Currently, more than 20% of Thailand’s population, an estimated 15 million people, are aged 60 and above.
Remarkably, a substantial segment of this demographic, specifically 5.26 million senior citizens (equivalent to 37.2% of the elderly population), remain in the workforce. This continued employment is primarily driven by a combination of good health and the essential need for income. The projection for the elderly population indicates a significant and sustained increase in the coming years, a trend that is poised to reshape the labor structure and exert considerable influence on overall economic growth.
A crowd of people celebrating Lunar New Year’s Eve in Bangkok, Thailand on Feb. 8, 2024. Photo by Reuters
Economic Vulnerability of Senior Citizens
The economic realities faced by many of Thailand’s elderly citizens are stark. Nearly half of this demographic reports insufficient income to meet their needs. Specifically, 31.6% of working seniors earn between 83 and 167 Thai Baht (approximately US$2.53 to US$5.08) per day, while a further 19.9% subsist on less than 83 Baht daily. Compounding these financial challenges, approximately 66.7% of the elderly population has no savings, leaving them with little recourse but to continue working to secure their livelihoods.
Government Initiatives to Support Older Workers
In response to these pressing issues, the Ministry of Labor is actively implementing strategies to support the aging workforce and mitigate the potential economic fallout. The Department of Skill Development has been tasked with developing and delivering reskilling and upskilling programs specifically tailored for older workers. A particular focus is being placed on equipping them with essential digital skills, recognizing the increasing digitalization of the modern economy.
Furthermore, the Department of Employment is actively curating a portfolio of suitable job opportunities for the elderly. They have prepared nearly 2,000 positions designed to accommodate the skills and capabilities of older workers. These roles include a variety of sectors such as sales staff, general workers, cleaners, security guards, and administrative positions, aiming to provide viable employment pathways for those who wish to remain economically active. These measures are crucial steps in ensuring that Thailand’s demographic shifts are managed proactively, fostering an inclusive and sustainable future for all its citizens.
