Thailand Launches Drive to Tackle Birth Decline

Thai authorities have launched a renewed push to address the country’s collapsing birth rate, now at its lowest level in 75 years, with officials stressing the importance of supporting every pregnancy. The Ministry of Public Health said the aim is to ensure that every birth is safe, voluntary and fully supported. The announcement was made at a press conference on Friday.

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Dr Amporn Benjapolpitak, director-general of the Department of Health, warned that Thailand is facing a severe demographic crisis driven by a sharp decline in births. She said the trend poses long-term risks to economic growth, social structure, the labour force, the welfare system and public health.

According to the Department of Provincial Administration, Thailand recorded 416,514 births last year, the lowest figure in nearly 75 years. In contrast, deaths reached 559,684 during the same period.

Thailand is consistently ranked among the bottom 10 countries globally for low birth rates. Its Total Fertility Rate has fallen to between 1.0 and 1.2 children per woman, well below the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain a stable population. It is also the only country in Southeast Asia with a declining birth rate.

Officials attribute the decline to economic struggles, high living costs and changing social norms among younger generations. Without substantial policy intervention, they said the population could shrink to as little as 30 million within the next five to six decades.

Dr Amporn outlined the Ministry’s “Every Birth Matters” policy, emphasising that the objective is not to pressure couples into having children. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that each birth is voluntary, safe and supported by high-quality care.

Department of Health deputy director-general Dr Pakorn Tungkasereerak detailed five key achievements: expanding fertility and preconception services; strengthening maternal and child healthcare through a continuous care model; investing in early childhood development under the “Amazing 2,500 Days” framework; preventing unintended pregnancies; and promoting mental health support for mothers and families.

He also announced three forward-looking strategies aimed at building a health-centred ecosystem to support quality childbirth. These include reducing healthcare burdens on parents, expanding digital access to maternal and child health services and harnessing big data analytics to provide more tailored, family-level policy support.

Bangkokpost reported that officials said sustained and integrated action across government and society will be essential to reverse the downward trend and secure Thailand’s demographic future.

Cover picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

Key Takeaways

• Thailand recorded 416,514 births last year, while deaths reached 559,684.

• The Total Fertility Rate has fallen to between 1.0 and 1.2, below the 2.1 replacement level.

• The “Every Birth Matters” policy focuses on safe, voluntary and fully supported pregnancies.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 15 Feb 2026