Thailand prepares measures to cope with rising aged population

BANGKOK, December 12 (TNA) - Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) is drafting a framework on population development over the next 2-3 decades for the Cabinet's further consideration in order to cope with rising aged population in the country. NESDB Secretary-General Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, who is also Deputy Transport Minister, announced the policy at a seminar held in Bangkok on Friday, noting that the draft focuses on technological development and more utilisation of knowledge-based initiatives, instead of heavily relying on labour-intensive production presently. Arkhom said that it is necessary for the switch because the proportion of Thai people aged above 60 is projected to increase to 20.5 million by 2040, equivalent to 32 per cent of the total population. By that time, the NESDB chief assessed, the number of working people in Thailand should decline to 35 million, from 42.7 million in 2010, which should affect national economic growth, while the government would have to also spend more state budget to take care of the aged people. (TNA)