Category: The Bangkok Post

A relentless surge in the price of gold is delivering windfalls across emerging markets, boosting investor confidence in countries that mine and buy the metal.

In South Africa, home to the world’s deepest gold mines, stocks are on track for the best year in two decades, with shares of miners like Sibanye Stillwater Ltd, AngloGold Ashanti Plc and Gold Fields Ltd tripling in value. The credit rating of Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, has been upgraded by Moody’s Ratings. Emerging-market countries rank among the biggest buyers of bullion, boosting national coffers.

For money managers in emerging markets, gold’s surge is giving them another reason to stay bullish. By fanning a wealth effect for bullion producers and buyers alike, valuable gold holdings are giving investors more conviction to buy. In a report earlier this month, Goldman Sachs Group Inc strategists listed South Africa’s mining strength as a top reason it sees gains ahead for the country’s bonds and stocks.

‘The rally in gold is beneficial for a small group of countries in emerging markets such as Uzbekistan, Ghana and South Africa,’ said Daniel Wood, a portfolio manager at William Blair Investment Management. ‘The wider story of the rising gold price is that investors are increasingly looking for alternative investments away from the more traditional developed market currencies, particularly the US dollar.’

Wood said he’s bullish on Uzbekistan’s currency because the country is both a major bullion producer and holds substantial reserves. He added that soaring metal prices are part of the reason why South Africa’s markets are having such a historic year.

South Africa’s FTSE/JSE Africa All Shares Index has gained more than 30% in 2025. The rand is near a one-year high, and the 10-year government bond yield recently fell below 9% for the first time in more than seven years. Slowing inflation that’s allowed the country’s central bank to cut interest rates is also boosting market sentiment.

All in all, it’s a dramatic turnaround for a country that has struggled to attract investors for years because of political turmoil and power shortages that sapped economic growth.

Another country that’s benefiting from the gold rally is Ghana. After enduring an economic crisis in 2022 that caused it to default on its debt, the nation has been on a path to recovery under new President John Mahama. The cedi has strengthened about 38% this year, the biggest increase globally.

Other investors said they’re watching countries like Poland, Turkey and Kazakhstan, which have all been adding to their gold reserves. Alexis de Mones, a fixed-income portfolio manager at Ashmore Group Plc, said that while the trend is generally positive, investors shouldn’t read too much into it.

‘Those countries that have a greater share of gold in their reserves will also look better, but one should not necessarily look at pricing effects as a source of credit strength,’ he said.

The bigger driver for emerging markets is the fact that higher gold prices are coming at a time when the dollar is weak and financial conditions are broadly easing, de Mones added. That’s a view echoed by Ning Sun, a senior emerging-markets strategist at State Street Markets in Boston.

She said rising gold prices are usually part of a broad move that drags down anything risky. But in this case, given dollar weakness and nervousness about US economic policy, that relationship has flipped. And now, emerging markets are turning out to be a winner.

‘The rally does benefit emerging markets more than developed markets,’ she said. ‘Emerging markets not only produce gold, they also hoard the metal.’

The parliamentary committee reviewing the constitutional amendment bill held its first meeting on Monday, electing Nutthawut Buaprathum, a list-MP from the People’s Party (PP), as chairman via a secret ballot.

Of the 43 members, 40 attended. Mr Nutthawut won by 25 votes to 12, with three abstentions, defeating Chousak Sirinil, a Pheu Thai list-MP.

Three deputy chairmen were named: Chawengsak Rengpaiboonwong (Bhumjaithai), Pol Col Tawee Sodsong (Prachachat), and Senator Premsak Piayura. Ausorn Kaewwichien (PP) was appointed committee secretary.

Spokespersons include senators Norasate Prachyakorn and Phisit Apivatanapong, Phanida Mongkolsawat (PP), and Ekaporn Rakkwamsuk (Pheu Thai).

The panel will meet three times a week from Oct 22. Only 11 meetings are scheduled before the draft’s second reading in late November.

The PP’s bill proposes a constitution drafting assembly (CDA) of 35 members selected by parliament from 70 candidates elected by the public, plus a 100-member advisory council chosen from all provinces.

Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno last week proposed holding the referendum and general election on March 29 next year to reduce costs and comply with the four-month roadmap agreed under the memorandum between Bhumjaithai and the PP, following the latter’s support for Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister.

Veteran politician Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya has been appointed as chief adviser to the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) which has expressed hopes of winning about 50-60 House seats in the next general election.

Gen Thammarak, 87, said on Monday that he accepted PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s invitation to return to politics after being away for several years, noting that the current political situation appeared chaotic with politicians being lured to switch parties with offers.

He said he would serve only as an adviser, not as an MP candidate, focusing on elections and national security, and he would put to good use his experience with the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party, of which he served as deputy leader.

According to Gen Thammarak, he was responsible for managing TRT’s election campaigns in the Northeast, where the party won 126 out of 136 seats.

He added that the next polls, expected early next year, would be fiercely contested.

Gen Thammarak suggested PPRP focus on clear policies and effective communication with the public.

His return was unveiled as the PPRP opened its new headquarters in Bangkok’s Bang Pho area following the departure of former secretary-general Santi Promphat (PPRP), who defected to the ruling Bhumjaithai Party. The new office replaced the previous one linked to Mr Santi.

Gen Prawit urged members to stay united and keep fighting as he presided over the opening of the new head office.

Some key party figures, including party deputy leader Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, did not attend amid reports that he has resigned from the party.

PPRP acting secretary-general Pakarathorn Thianchai expressed confidence in Gen Thammarak’s experience and calibre, saying the party would hope to win 50-60 seats in the next polls.

He said the party’s core policies focus on national stability, economic improvement and upholding the monarchy, adding that the party welcomes capable, honest people who want to work for the country.

Mr Pakarathorn also confirmed that Gen Prawit would be one of the party’s prime ministerial candidates, although the two other potential candidates had yet to be discussed.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) staged the official draw for the 2025 SEA Games football competitions in Bangkok on Sunday — but the ceremony unfolded under a pall of controversy after Timor-Leste accused Thailand of shutting its men’s team out of the tournament.

The furious claim from Dili sparked public anger and even calls for protests against Timor-Leste’s own Olympic committee, with officials initially pointing the finger at Thailand for the missing entry.

However, Chaiyapak Siriwat, CEO of the SEA Games Federation and vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, insisted the error did not originate in Bangkok.

He explained that all nine eligible nations had been confirmed after the entry-by-name deadline, making it impossible for Thailand to have excluded Timor-Leste.

Late on Friday, Timor-Leste’s Olympic officials admitted the mistake was internal, caused by staff failing to key in the football team’s registration, and formally apologised to Thailand.

With Timor-Leste granted an entry into the men’s football competition, the official draw went ahead, pitting hosts Thailand against Cambodia and Timor-Leste for Group A first round battles.

The men’s competition, which will take place between Dec 3-18, will feature 10 teams. They have divided into two groups of three and one group of four, with group winners and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals.

Thailand, the 16-time champions, will play their first round matches at Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla.

Vietnam, the 2021 winners, Malaysia and Laos are in Group B while defending champions Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines and Singapore are in Group C, with matches taking place at Chiang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium.

The semi-finals and the final will take place at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium.

Later, the FAT addressed concerns over the men’s football draw for the SEA Games, after Timor-Leste was unexpectedly added to the competition lineup just hours before the official ceremony.

Vice president Dr Charnwit Polcheewin said the late change came directly from the SEA Games organisers and the association had no choice but to follow the directive.

Thailand have also drawn bitter foes on and off the field Cambodia in their group for the women’s football competitions.

There are eight teams in the women’s competition, which will be played at Chonburi Stadium and the National Sports University Chonburi Campus.

Thailand are in Group A with Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia while Group B includes Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines and Malaysia.

The group stage will start from Dec 4 to 11 while the semi-finals and the final will be played at Chonburi Stadium between Dec 14-17.

The six-team women’s event, which will take place at Bangkok Thonburi University from Dec 12-18, will feature two groups of three.

The men’s futsal competition will take place at Nonthaburi Stadium, with five-time champions Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Malaysia competing in a single round-robin format. The team with the most points will take home the gold medal.

Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines are in Group A while Group B consists of Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

The country’s working-age demographics are a topic of widespread debate, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul floating the idea of raising the retirement age from 60 to 65.

His initiative contrasts with the private sector, which recently discussed younger retirement ages for employees to make room for a new generation of workers.

Even though the premier later said this idea remains a concept that still requires discussions with related agencies, this practice is not unusual as Thai courts and prosecutors pilot retirement age schemes of 65-70.

NEW BURDEN

Retirement age extension will add a financial burden for entrepreneurs who are struggling to deal with the sluggish economy, said Isares Rattanadilok Na Phuket, managing director of Altimate Packaging Co.

He said it was fine if the government responds to aged society demographics by applying the idea to state agencies, as the work experience of older officials can be valuable. But this does not mean it will work in the business sector, said Mr Isares.

Many businesses are reducing their financial burdens by offering early retirement packages to their employees. Others need to cut spending on workers’ welfare and unnecessary expenses.

Companies with sufficient funding are eager to replace human labour with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and automation systems.

All are crucial for the growth and survival of businesses, he said.

Some companies may continue to hire employees over 60 as consultants, but these decisions are usually made on a case-by-case basis and only a few capable workers with solid experience are offered these post-retirement jobs, said Mr Isares.

“Applying the retirement age extension proposal on a large scale will certainly affect companies,” he said, adding it raised doubts about the government’s motives.

“The aged society demographic may be an excuse. I believe the government wants to address lower tax revenue collection and birth rates, which is causing a decline in state revenue. This is a problem as the government needs to allocate part of its tax revenue to support welfare and pension programmes for old people.”

RISKS FOR EMPLOYEES

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said extending the working age to 65 should not be compulsory for the private sector as labourers might be affected.

The hotel industry already offers options for those who are retired, such as extending temporary contracts on a yearly basis if those workers are still capable of working, he said.

If extending employment until 65 becomes mandatory, workers would instead face risks of being laid off if employers consider them to be surplus to requirements, said Mr Thienprasit.

The largest portion of workers in the Thai hotel industry are younger than 50 and mostly employed in housekeeping roles.

Due to the physical workload, those over 50 may no longer be suited for such tasks, unless they can use their experience in higher-level roles, such as supervising housekeeping operations, he said.

The hotel industry continues to attract young workers, but the turnover rate is generally higher than in other sectors, as experienced staff often move to other hotels for better pay, said Mr Thienprasit.

Some European countries have extended the retirement age to allow a longer period of contributions to pension funds, while employers are also required to shoulder the additional costs, he said.

With this approach, the government can postpone pension payments to retirees for a few more years.

However, Mr Thienprasit said the government should be reminded that not every retiree would welcome a later retirement age.

AVOIDING CONFLICTS

Extending the retirement age could help ageing employees feel more financially secure, but it should not cause conflict between different generations, said Buranin Rattanasombat, president of the Marketing Association of Thailand.

Allowing employees 60 and older to continue working may cause misunderstanding among younger generations, who might feel they have fewer job opportunities.

“They may think their jobs are being snatched by the older generation,” said Mr Buranin.

If authorities want to implement an older retirement age, they must clarify how it will benefit Thai society and not damage the labour market, he said.

Mr Buranin said he agrees with the proposed change because it helps the growing number of people in their 60s who are concerned about a sharp drop in their income after retirement.

“Many employees in their 60s have no physical problems, unlike old people in the past. They can carry on working,” he said.

However, these workers may need skills training to adapt to changes in technology and the work environment, allowing for better collaboration with younger colleagues, said Mr Buranin.

“In addition, it may not be necessary for older employees to come to the office every day and work from 9am to 5pm,” he said.

REASONABLE PROPOSAL

Thitima Chucherd, head of economic and financial market research at SCB EIC, a research centre under Siam Commercial Bank, said extending the retirement age to 65 is a reasonable proposal given Thailand’s rapidly ageing society.

She said several developed countries have already raised their retirement age beyond 60, in line with a shrinking workforce, ageing population and the adoption of AI technologies.

Extending the retirement age could also strengthen Thailand’s welfare systems, said Ms Thitima.

The main question is how the policy will be implemented, she said.

EIC recently released its Thailand Labour Market Report, noting the ageing population has become a structural challenge weakening the labour market. Thailand became an ageing society in 2005 and an aged society in 2024, defined as people 60 or older exceeding 20% of the total population.

The working-age population continues to decline over the long term. According to the Public Health Ministry’s 2024 Population Situation Report, Thailand’s population totalled 65,951,179, with only 462,240 births compared with 571,646 deaths, resulting in a negative natural growth rate of -0.17% per year.

The total fertility rate — the average number of children per woman of reproductive age — dropped to 1.0 in 2024, far below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates Thailand’s population is ageing rapidly, with fewer children being born each year.

The report stated this demographic shift will directly affect the future labour force.

The labour force has been steadily declining, falling to 40.25 million people in the fourth quarter of 2023. Since then, it has continued to decline, contracting on a year-on-year basis.

A World Bank study in 2024 identified Thailand as one of the fastest-ageing countries in the world, with an old-age dependency ratio of 22%, projected to reach 50% by 2050.

EIC noted the old-age dependency ratio is rising due to the increased older population alongside a sharp decline in the working-age population.

As a result, the research house recommends Thailand adjust its workforce through three areas of development: skills, financial and global.

Workers need to acquire diverse new skills and learn to apply new technologies, particularly AI, to lift productivity, according to EIC.

Moreover, efforts should be made to enhance financial literacy on saving, borrowing and investing to help individuals manage their income and expenses more effectively, noted the report.

This would support greater financial stability among workers and within the household sector, according to EIC.

Employees need to adapt their work practices, learning approaches and career paths to meet the demands of the evolving global labour market, added the report.

PHASED IMPLEMENTATION

Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, said the private sector views the proposal to raise the retirement age to 65 as beneficial and appropriate, as Thailand has become an aged society with a declining birth rate.

However, the implementation must be done with care and flexibility, requiring supportive policies that ensure fairness and enhance effectiveness, he said.

The private sector recommends a phased approach, starting with industries that are ready, and setting different retirement ages based on job types, industry risks and employee capabilities, said Mr Dhanakorn.

To address employment conditions, he proposed offering flexible options, such as part-time roles, project-based employment, or reduced working hours depending on individual capacity.

Skills training programmes are crucial to help older workers maintain productivity and capabilities, said Mr Dhanakorn.

In terms of compensation and welfare, he suggested adjusting pay structures to match workloads and age, providing specialised health support, and offering tax benefits or incentives to employers who hire older workers.

Regarding the social security and pension system, Mr Dhanakorn proposed revising the contribution and payout criteria to align with the higher retirement age, expanding coverage to include informal and non-registered workers, and ensuring fund sustainability through efficient asset management.

Finally, he called for supportive laws and policies, including anti-age discrimination laws, clear employment standards for older workers, and the integration of data analysis and research for policy improvements.

These initiatives should create an environment where older workers can continue to work productively and support the government’s goal of achieving long-term national sustainability, said Mr Dhanakorn.

Arnupharp Kongmalai, vice-president of marketing for MR. D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand), said despite the country’s rising elderly population, the company does not have a special programme to hire them.

He said such a policy could be considered for future employment opportunities.

The company employs around 10,000 individuals, and most of them are younger workers. MR. D.I.Y. also hires people with disabilities to work at its stores, said Mr Arnupharp.

The developer NTDev has launched an experimental download of “tiny11 25H2,” a highly stripped-down version of Windows 11 that enables installation on low-specification computers. By removing unnecessary apps and features, it requires significantly less hard drive space, and critically, eliminates the need for users to log in with a Microsoft Account during the Windows 11 setup process.

The move comes as Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, forcing many users to consider upgrading to Windows 11. However, stringent hardware requirements have prevented numerous machines from making the leap.

The new Windows 11 tiny11 25H2 version, which strips away non-essential components, uses less hard drive space, and is faster, crucially unlocks all the original hardware limitations.

The tiny11 25H2 system is based on Windows 11 Version 25H2, with the primary goal of removing unnecessary programmes and features to significantly shrink the installation file size and reduce resource usage.

The result is a noticeably smoother and more responsive Windows 11 experience, which is particularly beneficial for older computers whose hardware falls short of the original Windows 11’s minimum requirements.

Key features that make tiny11 25H2 an appealing option include:

No Minimum Specifications: It can be installed without issue on older computers that do not meet the Windows 11 requirements for CPU, RAM, or TPM 2.0.

No Microsoft Account Login Required: tiny11 allows users to bypass the Microsoft Account login step during Windows 11 setup.

Lower Hard Drive Space Usage and Faster Performance: By removing non-essential programmes, tiny11 25H2 allows the overall system to run faster. This is ideal for lower-spec machines or even new ones seeking maximum performance.

A Clean Windows 11 Experience: Even users with compatible hardware may choose tiny11 for a cleaner Windows experience, free of unnecessary apps and features.

The developers have also created tiny11 core, an even more minimalist version that cuts the installation file size by nearly two-thirds. However, the critical trade-off is that the Core version cannot be updated through Windows Update.

This makes tiny11 core suitable only for specific scenarios, such as testing in a Virtual Machine, computers that do not require an internet connection, or system testing, and is not recommended for use on a primary computer.

While using a tiny11 version of Windows 11 inherently involves some risk, the developer states that all image files are created using the tiny11 builder tool, which only employs Microsoft programmes for customisation to minimise security risks.

Users who do not trust the readily available ISO files can use the same builder tool to create their own tiny11 file from an original Windows 11 installation file.

You can try downloading and using tiny11 25H2 from the Internet Archive via this link: [Download tiny11 25H2 at Internet Archive]

New Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiya led executive members into the party’s head office on Monday morning, and said he planned to invite three outsiders for their views on restoring the credibility of Thailand’s oldest political party.

Mr Abhisit and his team paid respect to the statue of the Earth Goddess Mae Thorani, the party’s emblem, before holding their first meeting, to map out the future direction of the party going into the promised general election next year.

The former prime minister was reinstated as Democrat leader on Saturday after Chalermchai Sri-on stepped down amid the party’s declining popularity and internal chaos after some members broke the alliance with the Pheu Thai Party and supported the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition.

He said he had invited academic and former minister Suvit Mesinsee, KKP Bank Director Banyong Pongpanich and WHA Corp Group chief executive Jareeporn Jarukornsakul to a ameeting on Oct 28 to offer their views on the party and the future of the country.

“I am confident they will have valuable opinions for us. Their views will give us all some good homework to do,” Mr Abhisit said.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnviraku promised to call a general election in four months when he recently took office at the head of his fragile coalition. No date has been announced, but the government has suggested March 29.

Many roads on this southern tourist island were left flooded after heavy rain on Monday morning.

Flooding was reported in front of Wichitsongkram School and in Kata area in Muang district.

In Kathu district, floods hit intersections at Patong Hospital, Patong Hill estate and Patong police station as well as Sai Nam Yen intersection and Kathu-Sam Kong road.

Local traffic police said the drain-off would take time, slowed by a high tide.

Thailand is embarking on an ambitious effort to raise the performance of its students in the global education rankings by integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms. The reform aims to reverse years of academic decline and prepare students for a rapidly changing digital world.

In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to test the reading literacy, mathematics, and science skills of 15-year-olds in over 65 countries, students in Thailand scored less than the OECD average.

The national results, also lower than those from the last assessment in 2018, underscored weaknesses in the education system and the urgent need for new, technology-driven learning models, critics said.

The next four years will be critical, authorities say, as Thailand prepares for the generation born in 2025, who are expected to grow up with AI-supported learning from an early age.

The Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards (BAAES), under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), is leading the effort to bring AI into classrooms nationwide.

Bangkok in pole position

Bangkok deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have been transforming digitally for more than three years.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post recently, Mr Sanon said the work requires not just funding but clear policies on responsible technology use and long-term planning.

By the end of this year, he said, every Prathom 6 (Grade 4) student across 437 BMA schools will have access to their own computer for the first time.

He said pilot projects in six schools using AI-powered learning showed a marked improvement in student engagement, with many of the students arriving at the school early and staying late to continue lessons.

To improve English proficiency, seen as essential for global competitiveness, the BMA has launched a citywide strategy combining technology, teacher training, and student development.

In partnership with education startup Edsy and SVOA Public Co Ltd, the BMA introduced Edsy AI Coach, an intelligent platform that helps students practice English pronunciation and grammar.

“Hiring native English teachers is costly and not always possible,” Mr Sanon said, adding that AI helps enable personalised learning in large classes.

Last year’s report from pilot schools found that students improved fluency by 10%, language accuracy by 14%, and pronunciation by 12% within two months, he said.

Encouraged by the results, the project has now been expanded to 136 schools in its first phase and will soon cover all BMA schools.

Smarter learning

At the national level, BAAES has developed AI-based teaching materials and handbooks for teachers and students.

More than 60,000 students and 700 pilot schools have taken part in training programmes, helping build early AI literacy among young learners. “Teaching with AI reduces teacher workload and personalises instruction,” said Eakasit Piyasangtong, director of BAAES.

“We’ve partnered with Google, Microsoft, and other global organisations to use tools such as Gemini, Chattivity, Deepseek, and Leonardo. More than two million educators have already participated in AI-related training.”

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) is also promoting digital ethics through its Digital Citizen Plus curriculum. The programme helps teachers develop “digital intelligence”, ensuring that students learn to use technology safely, responsibly, and creatively.

Globally, 97% of students are exposed to AI in some form, but more than half pursue AI learning independently. Mr Eakasit said Thailand’s strategy aims to close this gap through structured classroom programmes and comprehensive teacher training.

The World Bank has observed that Thailand’s investment in innovation and future skills remains lower than that of countries like South Korea or Vietnam. “Thailand has begun moving toward innovation and creativity, even developing its own innovation index — one of the few countries to do so,” said Melinda Good, the World Bank’s Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar.

“But greater investment in innovation and education beyond the basics is essential,” she said.

Mr Eakasit noted that Thailand’s cultural diversity and creative traditions give it an edge in developing AI learning models suited to local needs. “AI can support not only STEM education but also arts and problem-solving,” he said. “Students can combine technology with traditional skills to create original, high-quality work.”

AI learning now begins as early as kindergarten and continues through secondary school, teaching students to use AI tools, recognise their influence, and think critically about ethical implications.

With nearly 60,000 students and 700 schools already engaged, Thailand’s foundation in AI literacy is growing steadily. The next phase, Mr Eakasit said, will focus on building a full AI ecosystem, from access to devices and local data centres to research hubs and ethics education.

“Thailand’s long-term goal,” he concluded, “is to move beyond being an AI consumer and become an AI innovator”.

Thailand is quietly establishing itself as a global epicentre of longevity. With around 45,000 citizens aged 100 or over, the country ranks fifth worldwide for its centenarian population, after Japan, the United States, China and India — a testament to improved healthcare, better nutrition, and rising public awareness of healthy ageing.

Yet beneath this positive statistic lies a growing welfare dilemma. While today’s centenarians thrive thanks to traditional extended families, future generations face isolation and financial insecurity.

The core concern, says Asst Prof Nattapat Sarobol of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Social Administration, is the widening gap between the lived experience of the oldest generation and the demographic reality awaiting their children.

“This makes us think that we should be concerned about how centenarians in the future will be able to live alone,” she said.

The shift is prompting a national re-evaluation of retirement, self-reliance and social defence mechanisms.

Family support fades

Her team conducted research among 101 centenarians to explore their living conditions, lifestyles and sources of happiness. The study found that being surrounded by family was a key contributor to their long lives.

“Most centenarians described happiness as deriving from simple pleasures — spending time with children and grandchildren, living in modest but comfortable homes, and feeling useful to their communities.

“Importantly, a sense of pride was a consistent theme: participants valued being able to care for themselves and contribute to society, even in small ways,” she said.

However, she warned strong family support systems may not endure much longer.

“Thai families are changing,” she said. “Where people once lived together and supported one another, we are now seeing increasing isolation. The question is: how will future generations of 100-year-olds live when family support declines?”

The implications extend beyond emotional well- being.

Without family support, older adults may struggle with basic daily tasks, from cooking and cleaning to accessing healthcare and managing finances. This could lead to increased dependence on state services, which are already under pressure.

Shifting structures

The research paints a sobering picture of what lies ahead. Japan’s number of centenarians is expected to surpass 100,000 soon, and Thailand is following a similar path, she said.

Children born after 2016 are projected to live well into their 80s or 90s, with many reaching 100. Yet the social conditions that support older people are fading fast.

Elderly Thais have often relied on large families for care. Today, smaller families and lower birth rates mean that many older adults may have no children to depend on.

“The study shows our centenarians generally have no debt or savings,” she said. “They survived not because of financial planning but because of family support. That system is breaking down.”

She said the traditional life pattern — 20 years of study, 40 years of work, and 15 years of retirement — is now obsolete.

Modern life expectancy has shifted the pattern to 20-40-30, meaning people could live 30 years or more after retirement, and in many cases up to 40 years.

This longer lifespan has prompted debates about extending the retirement age. But as Asst Prof Nattapat said, the issue goes beyond economics.

“It’s not just about money or keeping people employed longer,” she said. “It’s about redefining what life after 60 means. We must encourage people to stay active, capable and self-reliant for as long as possible.”

The economic burden

Nonarit Bisonyabut, Senior Research Fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), said the phenomenon was part of a global trend.

“Advances in medicine have made people live longer, but with fewer children being born, the proportion of elderly is growing rapidly,” he said. “It creates what I call ‘the burden gap’ — fewer working-age people supporting more elderly dependents.”

He said that, in the past, several siblings would share the responsibility of caring for ageing parents.

“Today, one child may have to care for both parents and even in-laws — four people in total,” he said. “This is a heavy financial and emotional load.”

A concerning number of older people are already living alone. Millions of Thai households now consist solely of elderly residents with no younger relatives to support them. For these individuals, the risk of poverty, loneliness and health problems increases sharply.

Mr Nonarit also warned that while extending retirement might ease the pressure, it cannot solve everything.

“The key is not merely to push retirement later but to create policies that help older adults work as long as they wish and are able,” he said. “We need to match older workers with roles that suit their experience and physical capacity.”

He added that rising household debt and competing government priorities compound the problem.

“The state budget is already stretched thin — covering infrastructure, defence, education and healthcare. There’s simply not enough to guarantee comprehensive welfare for all elderly citizens,” he said.

Preparing for the future

The Department of Provincial Administration says Thailand now has about 45,561 people aged over 100, a big increase from 36,402 just a year earlier.

This rapid rise highlights Thailand’s transformation into one of the world’s leading longevity nations — but also underscores a growing welfare challenge.

Experts warn that if current trends continue, Thailand could soon mirror Japan, where the elderly often live alone and die unnoticed.

However, Thailand faces an even greater risk: while Japan’s elderly may lack companionship, they generally have financial security. Thailand’s older citizens may face both loneliness and poverty.

“Japan is about 30 years ahead of us in this ageing trajectory,” said Mr Nonarit. “We are heading in the same direction, but with fewer safety nets.”

Both scholars stressed the need for long-term care systems that combine family, community and government support.

They also want policies that allow retirees to remain economically active, such as flexible hours, and incentives for businesses to hire and retrain them.

“Active ageing should become the new norm,” said Asst Prof Nattapat.

“Even if one lives to 80 or 100, the goal is not just to live longer, but to live better. Society must adapt to keep older people engaged, valued and self-sufficient.”