Thailand's Elderly Population Surges Past Children, GISTDA Reveals
A new report from GISTDA shows Thailand is rapidly becoming an "ultra-aged society," with people over 60 now far outnumbering those under 15
Thailand is facing a demographic turning point as its elderly population has officially surpassed its youth, according to a new report from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
The agency’s 2025 population analysis reveals that the number of Thais aged 60 and over has surged to 13.6 million, while the population of children under 15 has fallen to 9.5 million.
GISTDA’s analysis, which used data from the Department of Provincial Administration to create a detailed "Insight Map," shows a stark regional divide in population structures.
The North and Central regions have the highest ageing index, with many provinces showing a significantly higher proportion of elderly people than children. These areas are described as "clearly aged," indicating a complete shift in their social structure.
The Northeast also has a large elderly population due to the migration of working-age people and a low birth rate. The report suggests this region is on track to become a "super-aged society" in the near future.
In contrast, the Eastern region has a higher density of working-age residents and a smaller proportion of elderly people compared to the North and Northeast.
The Western border and the lower South—including provinces like Tak, Kanchanaburi, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat—are among the few remaining "child-led" areas, with their youth populations outnumbering the elderly.
GISTDA warns that this demographic shift is more than just an increase in the number of seniors.
It reflects a deeper structural problem of a declining birth rate, which will have significant future implications for the country's labour force, economy, and the provision of social welfare.
With many provinces already in an "ultra-aged" state and the trend expanding nationwide, the report poses a critical question: is Thailand truly prepared to support an ageing society?
