Thailand is being urged to mount a national response to its falling birth rate, with ministers warning that fewer children will have consequences for the labour market, economic competitiveness and long-term development. The call came at the recent "Birth Crisis and Quality Concerns" forum, organised by the Secretariat of the House of Representatives. It brought together government, academics, the private sector, local authorities and the public to consider support across a child's life, from pregnancy and upbringing to preparation for work. House Speaker Sophon Zaram said the issue went well beyond population figures. A declining birth rate was tied to quality of life, health, education, skills, competitiveness, employment, the economy and the country's future development, he said. The stated aim is to make it easier for people to form families, have children and raise them into healthy, capable adults. Birth numbers and workforce concerns Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said registered births dropped from 736,352 in 2015 to 462,240 in 2024, a fall of about 37% over nine years. He said the shrinking working-age population was already posing difficulties for labour-intensive businesses and small- and medium-sized enterprises. With fewer young people entering employment, production capacity, business costs and competitiveness would be affected, he said. Ministers set out roles Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat said his ministry could help address structural problems through science, technology, research and innovation. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said his ministry would focus on preparing people before pregnancy, encouraging healthy childbirth and caring for mothers, infants and young children. It would also promote children's physical and mental wellbeing and improve access to quality health services, he said. Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Soemklang said families and support systems needed to be strengthened. He said children should be supported in developing suitable learning, life and digital skills, while inequality was reduced. The forum's approach places the birth-rate issue alongside broader questions familiar to many foreign residents: access to healthcare, childcare, education, jobs and the cost and practicalities of family life in Thailand. Join the discussion? 17 September 2026
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