BANGKOK, March 1 (TNA) – The Thai government is imposing
proactive measures to cope with ageing population, integrating public and
private agencies to ensure preparedness for full-fledged ageing society.
Officials of the six ministries and the civil society groups
joined an event to announce a declaration on ageing society on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said the
declaration formally set out active plans to raise public awareness and to
prepare the country for ageing society with measures to promote people’s living
standard as well as prevent negative impacts.
The gathering endorsed two measures; welfare promotion for
the elderly and strengthening good governance for ageing society.
This national agenda declaration was a result of the
Cabinet’s resolution on December 4 to prepare the country for ageing
society. 
Currently, more than 16 per cent of Thais are over 60 years
old. With the elderly population and the
falling birth rate, the country is facing challenges at all fronts from labor
shortage to economic growth.
Gen Chatchai said a study showed that the country’s burden
on medical care for the elderly would balloon to Bt1.8 trillion; it, therefore,
was extremely crucial to be well prepared. (TNA)
