Executive Summary
Thailand’s sustainable development, particularly its aspiration to become a high-income country and a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2037, faces significant challenges. In 2025, Thailand is transitioning into a complete aged society alongside a record-low birth rate. Currently, over 20% of the population is aged 60 and above, while annual births have fallen below 500,000 with total fertility rate of 1.0 . It is projected that in the next two to three decades, the population structure will shift further toward an aging majority, and the total population may decline to half of its current size1.
Despite the declining birth rate, pregnancy should be planned and wanted, every birth should be safe grounded in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and individual choice. This shift represents structural challenges impacting the economy, health and welfare systems, the labour market, and long-term socio-economic stability. It requires visionary leadership to restructure systems, address these challenges, and systematically integrate efforts across all sectors.
Sustainable national and population development to upgrade Human Capital should adopt a people-centred approach, inclusive of all ages and genders. This involves respecting rights, empowering individuals, and expanding choices throughout the life cycle; nurturing children and youth with knowledge aligned to labour market demands and essential life skills; strengthening the potential of the working-age population; harnessing the capacities of older persons as a vital force in driving socio-economic progress; and supporting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, including women and girls to ensure self-reliance.
Creating a safe and enabling environment for families and well-being is essential, supported by accurate and timely data to ensure growth is equitable, inclusive, and leaves no one behind.
This policy brief is designed to assist policymakers in navigating demographic shifts by translating the Long-Term Population Development Plan (2022–2037)2 into action through policy prioritisation, investment, and inter-agency coordination.
