OPINION

Ageing population poses development challenges

News, Ulrich Zachau, Published on 14/01/2016

» Asian societies are ageing, and Thailand is ageing rapidly. Already over 10% of the Thai population, or more than 7 million people, are 65 years old or older. By 2040, a projected 17 million Thais above 65 years of age will account for more than a quarter of the population. Together with China, Thailand already has the highest share of elderly people of any developing country in East Asia and the Pacific, and it is expected to have the highest elderly share by 2040. A recent World Bank report, "Live Long and Prosper: Ageing in East Asia and Pacific", discusses ageing in Asia and how countries can address the resulting challenges, and take advantage of emerging opportunities.