Mrs Marisa said in addition to a shrinking young population because of a declining birth rate, the government should pay serious attention to the quality of education for students and young adults. BIG CHALLENGE AHEADMr Tanit said another big challenge for Thailand's labour sector is the growing number of senior citizens. Thailand's birth rate in 2020 dropped below 600,000 for the first time and took the country's TFR down to 1.51, which is "extremely low", according to global organisations. Thailand's birth rate was 1.2 million in 1970. Mr Pailin said he is worried about the extreme dip in Thailand's birth rate because it can lead to labour shortages for the next 30 years.

Source: Bangkok Post January 17, 2022 05:35 UTC