Thailand is currently facing a “population structure crisis” as it transitions into a super-aged society amid declining birth rates.
Family-friendly policies are central to the Population Development Plan (2022–2037), which aims to foster long-term national development.
This initiative emphasizes the “Good Birth, Good Living, and Good Ageing” concept, focusing particularly on enhancing the quality of family life and establishing supportive systems for childbirth and child-rearing.
The 16th National Health Assembly outlined key strategies for high-quality population development, focusing on creating an environment that supports childbearing and child-rearing.
These strategies encompass four key areas: time allocation, financial resources, support systems for child-rearing, and legal frameworks.
To encourage childbirth, the government has introduced several policies, including:
– A monthly child support subsidy of 600 baht for children aged 0–6 from low-income families
– Extended maternity leave up to 98 days
– Childbirth benefits provided through the Social Security Fund
– Tax breaks for expenses related to establishing childcare facilities
Additionally, the private sector has played a role by implementing family-oriented workplace policies, including six months of maternity leave, flexible working hours for parents, and financial support for family-related expenses.
During a recent policy dialogue organized by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), and other partners, NESDC deputy secretary-general Worawan Plikhamin highlighted Thailand’s low ranking in the “Women, Business, and the Law 2020” report.
Thailand scored only 20 out of 100 points in the parenthood category due to legislative gaps and a lack of adequate systems to ease the burdens on parents.
Natthaya Boonpakdee, director of the Child, Youth, and Family Well-being Support Office at ThaiHealth, stressed the need for family-friendly workplace designs that address challenges such as household debt, which significantly affects family stability and decisions regarding childbearing.
The 2024 Household Debt Survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reported that the average Thai household debt has increased to 606,378 baht, up 47,000 baht from 2023.
Major factors contributing to this increase include inadequate income (14%), rising living costs (12%), and increasing family financial burdens (11.2%).
