Old and poor: Thailand sleepwalking towards an ageing crisis


Bangkok (AFP) – Thailand is one of the world’s fastest ageing societies with more than 12 million people above the age of 60. They make up around 18% of the population, but with low incomes and insufficient government help, many seniors end up living in extreme poverty. “I have to borrow some money if I don’t have enough to buy milk. I have to take a loan,” says 75-year-old Chusri Kaewkhio who looks after her ill husband of the same age. By 2029, Thailand is expected to join a list of super-ageing societies where more than 20% of the population are older than 65.

©AFP

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