BANGKOK, Aug 23 — The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economies are facing demographic problems as low fertility rates cause populations to decline and affect the economies in the long run.
Deputy Public Health Minister of Thailand Dr Satit Pitutecha said 17 of the 21 Apec member economies have a total fertility rate lower than the replacement rate.
“This causes a decline in the working-age population, and creates a burden in taking care of society, children and the elderly, and also creates a long-term economic impact,” he said during the Policy Dialogue on “Smart Families” at the Apec Health Week meeting in Bangkok on Monday.
The meeting gathered experts on public health, family planning, educational institution, and international organisations to discuss and deal with the demographic problems.
Dr Satit said Thailand, with a population of around 66 million people, has entered an ageing society.
In 2020 Thailand had a total 1.24 fertility rate, which is lower than the replacement level, and the total fertility rate should be around 1.6.
“We are soon fully entering an ageing society,” he said.
Dr Satit added that in recent years, Thailand had recorded fewer newborns every year, in 2017, there were about 700,000 newborns and the number had dropped to 540,000 in 2021.
“The number of births is gradually decreasing and now it is close to the number of deaths. If we do nothing, the birth rate will be less than the death rate, and Thailand’s population may be halved.
“Then, the number of the working-age population will decrease and they will face a greater burden in supporting and taking care of society, the children and the elderly,” he said.
Dr Satit said it is estimated that in the next 40 years, the working age will decrease by 15 million, and the elderly will increase by 12 million.
“This change will affect the economy, society and finances of the country”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Health Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai said Thailand is currently one of the countries with the lowest total fertility rates in the world.
According to World Population Prospect 2022, the data showed that only 20 countries have lower total fertility rates than Thailand in 2021.
Dr Suwannachai said the Public Health Ministry is prepared to cope with the issue by promoting “Smart Families”, enacting laws and formulating policies which are the 2nd National Reproductive Health Development Policy and Strategy.
The policy aims to promote readiness for pregnancy, giving birth with full intention, and fostering the care of children for optimum growth with the full potential to become an important force for the country.
— Bernama
