Thais Face Nearly Seven Years of Illness or Disability in Senior Years, Report Finds
Thais are projected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in their later years, placing increased strain on the country's healthcare and long-term care systems
Key Points
- 1Thais are expected to live an average of 6.9 years with illness or disability in old age
- 2Only 43.3% of patients needing palliative care have access to adequate services
- 3The number of long-term and palliative care workers must increase 13-fold by 2037
- 4Demographic shifts such as declining birth rates and an ageing population are driving these trends
A new health report reveals that Thais can expect to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability later in life, underscoring mounting challenges for the nation's healthcare and long-term care systems. The Thai Health Report 2026, jointly released by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, highlights the impact of Thailand’s rapidly ageing population and shifting demographics
Assoc Prof Chalermpol Chamchan, who led the study, noted that "longer life expectancy does not necessarily translate into better health," emphasizing the increased burden on families, healthcare providers, and social welfare programs. The report found that only 43.3% of patients needing palliative care currently receive appropriate services, leaving a significant gap in end-of-life care. Researchers also warned that the number of trained long-term and palliative care workers must increase 13 times by 2037 to meet growing demand
The findings point to an urgent need for health service reforms, particularly expanding community care programs that allow seniors to be cared for outside hospitals. Declining birth rates, changing family structures, and economic pressures are cited as key factors shaping these trends. The report calls for increased investment and policy changes to better support Thailand’s ageing society
For Koh Samui’s international residents and retirees, the report’s findings serve as a reminder to consider future care options and community resources as the island’s population ages. Local policymakers and healthcare providers may need to adapt services to ensure quality of life for seniors, especially as demand for long-term and palliative care grows
