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National Policies and Programs for the Aging Population in Thailand

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Abstract

Thailand established the National Elderly Council in 1982 to begin to address issues impacting the elderly. Nine years later, in 1991, as the United Nations Assembly recognized elderly rights with respect to autonomy, involvement, care, self-satisfaction and esteem Thailand established the “National Committee of Senior Citizens,” culminating in 2002 with the Second National Plan for Older Person (2002–2021). This plan focused on the development of policies and programs to support older persons. Some successful program activities are highlighted: (a) promoting a positive attitude toward elderly persons, (b) promoting health for the elderly, and (c) social protection for the elderly. The Second National Plan for Older Persons in Thailand is being successfully implemented and progress has been made at many levels toward building an aging-friendly society. The Thai government needs to continue to play an active role in facilitating the implementation of the plan and, as importantly, there needs to be commitments from all participating sectors (public, private, municipalities) in order to achieve the identified aims set forth in the plan.

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Further Reading

  • Bureau of Empowerment for Older Persons. (2003–2005). Conclusion of implementation of work.

  • Department of Social Development and Welfare. (2006). Report on implementation of work on the elderly.

  • Department of Welfare and Labor Protection, Ministry of Labor. (2006). Report on Implementation of work on the elderly.

  • Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health. (2007). Report on implementation of work on the elderly.

  • Department of Housing, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University. Document on appropriate environment for Elderly Research Unit.

  • Ministry of Interior. (2005). The ministerial rules on old age allowance paid by local administration organization.

  • Ministry of Interior. (2007). Report on implementation of work on the elderly.

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  • Ministry of Tourism and Sports. (2007). Report on implementation of work on the elderly.

  • Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. (2007). Thailand‘s implementation following the Shanghai Implementation Strategy and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging: 2007.

  • National Commission on the Elderly, 2004. Situation of the Thai Elderly 2003. ISBN 974-92426-6–1, September 2004. Bangkok.

  • National Commission on the Elderly, 2005. Situation of the Thai Elderly 2004. ISBN 974-9800-16–8, September 2005. Bangkok.

  • National Statistical Office. (2005). Report on Health and Welfare.

  • Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board. (2007). The 10th National Economic and Social Development Plan: 2007–2011.

  • Senior Brain Bank Association. (2007). Report on implementation of work on the elderly.

  • Senior Citizen Council of Thailand. (2007). Report on implementation of work on the elderly.

  • United Nations. (2002). Shanghai implementation strategy: regional implementation strategy for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002 and the Macao Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific 1999.

  • United Nations. (2004). Macao 2004 Guidelines for the review and appraisal of the Shanghai Plan of Action on Ageing.

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Correspondence to Sutthichai Jitapunkul.

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Jitapunkul, S., Wivatvanit, S. National Policies and Programs for the Aging Population in Thailand. Ageing Int. 33, 62–74 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-009-9027-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-009-9027-6

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