Thailand Faces Growing Pressure as Birth Rate Continues to Fall

Thailand is facing growing concern over its rapidly declining birth rate, with experts calling for stronger measures to address the country’s demographic changes.

The country recorded just 416,514 births in 2025, the lowest annual figure in about 75 years. At the same time, 559,684 deaths were registered, meaning deaths exceeded births by more than 140,000.

The decline has continued for decades. Thailand’s fertility rate has fallen sharply from more than six children per woman in the 1960s to well below the replacement level of about 2.1 children per woman.

The shrinking number of births is contributing to a rapidly ageing population and raising concerns about the future size of Thailand’s workforce.

Experts have warned that fewer young people could place increasing pressure on the economy, social welfare systems and the working-age population as the number of older residents grows.

The issue is also affecting communities and public services. A sustained decline in the number of children could eventually lead to fewer students, changes in demand for schools and childcare services, and a smaller pool of workers entering the labour market.

The government has previously introduced measures aimed at encouraging people to have children, including efforts to support fertility services, maternal and child healthcare and early childhood development.

However, demographic experts have pointed to wider factors behind the decline, including the cost of raising children, changing family preferences and economic pressures.

The Bangkok Post reported that specialists are urging Thailand to treat the demographic trend as a long-term national issue rather than relying on short-term measures.

Thailand’s experience reflects a broader demographic shift across parts of Asia, where declining fertility and longer life expectancy are changing the balance between younger and older generations.

With births continuing to fall below deaths, policymakers are now facing the challenge of adapting healthcare, education, employment and social protection systems to a population that is becoming older and smaller.