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

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Where is the guy with all the crazy ideas when we really need him. Now he has to go back to the drawing board and make a plan for designated baby making shops!

Life is sometimes weird: For years overpopulation has been a threat – don't forget China's one-child-policy – and when it finally come to a point where we might get back to former population size, then that become a problem...

Dear Thailand,

Welcome to the C21st!

Yours ever hopeful

I stand ready to help...

So, need a higher birth rate to pay for old people.

How does Thai govt plan on supporting all these young families with babies? If that happens, maybe fewer newborns will end up in gas station toilets.

The future is not human.

We need less babies not more

At least we're pretty safe the Thai government won't be into replacement immigration .

Aren't we between governments , so why are we hearing from gov departments or sub-committees about declining birthrates and higher VAT to support elderly ?

Shut up until the new gov is formed.

Plenty of Thai women want mixed babies and don't attach strings. I've never had one insist on condom use and most believe their baby will get the blue eyes. God knows how many little Flaming Dragons are running around their grandparents' homes, but there are sure to be a few of the little bastards. Does that make me a Thai patriot? Perhaps they'll give me honorary citizenship and the keys to the cities of Isaan.

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Dont look for birth rates or immigration to increase any time soon in Thailand...

Thailand does not pay out jack to new immigrants or offer any support at all as they do in the West..

The same goes for Thais having children..Almost no support...

As this generation of parents and grandparents back on the farm in Issan die off, who will be taking care of future kids?

I see the birth rate falling much lower than now..

Thailand should roll out the red carpet for each and every expat farang here in Thailand...Rich or poor...